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Resource | Toolkits Tools for Schools

Tools for Schools offers topic-specific policy and resource materials to assist schools in meeting the new nutrition standards. Refer to the latest regulations, find free nutrition education curricula, or get ideas for adding tasty, kid-friendly foods to enhance your school meals program.

05/16/2023
Resource | Webinars/Videos Seeding Success: Farm to School Grant Requirements

This pre-recorded webinar features USDA Farm to School Program staff, who summarize grantee reporting requirements and review the processes for submitting no-cost extensions, as well as project and budget amendments.

03/21/2022
Resource | Webinars/Videos Everything You Need to Know about GS1 GDSN! Accessing Nutrient, Allergen and Ingredient Information for USDA Foods in Schools

This webinar is intended for states and school districts that serve direct delivered USDA Foods for child nutrition programs.

08/05/2021
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0171 Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children – Extension 5

Under this waiver, Summer Food Service Program and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option operators in a state with an approved waiver allowing non-congregate meal distribution during COVID–19-related operations may distribute meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their children. State agencies must have a plan for ensuring that program operators are able to maintain accountability and program integrity.  

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #62
10/09/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0170 Nationwide Waiver to Allow Non-congregate Feeding in the SFSP and the NSLP Seamless Summer Option – Extension 5

Under this waiver, Summer Food Service Program and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option operators may provide non-congregate meals during COVID–19-related operations. This waiver extends the nationwide waiver to allow non-congregate feeding in the Summer Food Service Program granted on Aug. 31, 2020 that expires on Dec. 31, 2020. This waiver applies to state agencies administering, and local organizations operating, the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option. 

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #61
10/09/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0177 Nationwide Waiver of Area Eligibility in the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Care Component- Extension

This waiver allows schools and afterschool care centers, regardless of their location, to serve at-risk afterschool meals and snacks to students after the regular school day, through June 30, 2021. This waiver applies to state agencies administrating and local organizations operating the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Care Component.

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #68
10/09/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0169 Nationwide Waiver to Extend Area Eligibility Waivers – Extension 3

This waiver extends until June 30, 2021, the Nationwide Waiver to Extend Area Eligibility Waivers – Extension 2. It applies to state agencies administrating, and local organizations operating, the SFSP and NSLP Seamless Summer Option. 

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #60
10/09/2020
Resource | Policy Memos CN - Nationwide Waiver to Extend Area Eligibility Waivers – Extension 3

This waiver extends until June 30, 2021, the Nationwide Waiver to Extend Area Eligibility Waivers – Extension 2. It applies to state agencies administrating, and local organizations operating, the SFSP and NSLP Seamless Summer Option (SSO).

10/09/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0165 At-risk Afterschool Area Eligibility Waiver

This waiver allows schools and afterschool care centers to serve at-risk afterschool meals and snacks to students regardless of their location, through Dec. 31, 2020.

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #58
09/18/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0136 Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility in the Child Nutrition Programs – Extension 5

Pursuant to Section 2202(a) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and in light of the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency,  FNS is extending a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus.

COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #38
07/30/2020
Page updated: October 14, 2021