FNS Documents & Resources

USDA continues to work with state child nutrition agencies to offer flexibilities in response to public health needs while still promoting nutritious meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This memorandum notifies state agencies and program operators that temporary authority to claim reimbursement for meals and snacks to young people between the ages of 19 and 24 in emergency shelters participating in CACFP, will end when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends, which is expected on May 11, 2023.

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance regarding the expiration of the offsite monitoring for CACFP and the School Meal Programs after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. 

FNS has used its authority under FFRCA to waive certain onsite monitoring requirements for the school meals programs, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program, so that programs can to maintain program integrity and support social distancing while providing meals. 

This memorandum outlines the existing flexibilities available to all CACFP operators experiencing supply chain disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and encourages state agency and sponsoring organization discretion when monitoring for compliance with meal pattern requirements.

 On August 26, FNS delivered a live webinar to state agencies and local program operators providing an overview of nationwide waivers for school year 2021-22. During the webinar, staff discussed scenarios where flexibilities may be utilized and suggestions for planning for the unexpected.  Lastly, resources were shared to further help state agencies and local program operators meet the unique needs of their community. 

This document provides information to states to assist in the development of state plans to operate Pandemic EBT for school children and children in child care.

FNS is establishing a nationwide waiver to support schools unable to complete a triennial assessment of the local school wellness policies by June 30, 2021, due to school closures as a result of COVID–19. This waiver applies to state agencies that have local educational agencies administering the NSLP and/or SBP.

Under challenging circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, school communities have worked tirelessly to ensure children have access to meals.

This memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide clarification to state agencies and program operators as they operate the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, NSLP Seamless Summer Option, Summer Food Service Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program in the coming months, during the COVID-19 pandemic.