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Resource | Infographics How We Got Here: School Nutrition Standards Final Rule

School nutrition professionals continue to make school meals the healthiest meals children eat in a day! To take school meals to the next level, USDA is updating the school nutrition standards after considering recommendations from the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans and listening to a diverse range of voices with experience in child nutrition and health.

04/24/2024
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-2020-0169 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-2020-0073 CN COVID-19 Meal Times Nationwide Waiver - Extension

Due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA established a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program. This waiver remains in effect through Aug. 31, 2020.

COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #23
05/21/2020
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2020-0072 Nationwide Non-Congregate Feeding Waiver- Extension

In response to the COVID–19 Child Nutrition Response Act, and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA established a nationwide waiver of congregate feeding requirements to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19). This waiver applies to the NSLP, SBP, CACFP and SFSP. This waiver remains in effect until Aug. 31, 2020.

COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response #22
05/21/2020
Resource | Webinars/Videos Best Practices for the Use of the USDA DoD Fresh Program in the Summer Food Service Program

This webinar summarizes how the USDA Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program operates, discusses the SFSP dollars, explains the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System Defense Logistics Agency tasks, and describes best practices for using USDA DoD Fresh in the SFSP.

03/16/2017
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2009-0068 Allowability of Participant Payments and Contributions for Foods Donated by the USDA and/or Non-USDA Sources

This memorandum clarifies FNS regulations and policies regarding the allowability of requiring payment and soliciting contributions (i.e., "payments" or "pay") in exchange for foods from FNS program participants.

FD-097
10/21/2009
Resource | Policy Memos | FNS-GD-2009-0037 Clarification of State Agency Review Requirements for Donated Foods in the NSLP

The purpose of this policy memorandum is to clarify the responsibilities of the state administering agency and the state distributing agency with respect to ensuring compliance with requirements for donated foods in the National School Lunch Program, the Summer Food Service Program and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

FD-089
05/21/2009
Page updated: October 14, 2021