In an effort to make the distribution of P-EBT benefits to eligible children as efficient as possible, USDA has developed a simple P-EBT summer plan template. The template allows states to elect a USDA-determined standard benefit that relieves states of the burden of determining their own benefit levels based on state-specific school district calendars.
Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, and based on the exceptional circumstances of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, FNS issued three nationwide waivers to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus.
School meals are required to meet specific nutrition standards to operate the school meals programs. The standards align school meals with the latest nutrition science and the real world circumstances of America’s schools.
The changes in this interim rule are primarily designed to improve Program operations and monitoring at the state and institution levels and, where possible, to streamline and simplify Program requirements for state agencies and institutions.