FNS Documents & Resources

USDA intends to use all available program flexibilities and contingencies to serve our program participants across our 15 nutrition programs. We have already begun to issue waivers to ease program operations and protect the health of participants.

USDA intends to use all available program flexibilities and contingencies to serve our program participants across our 15 nutrition programs. We have already begun to issue waivers to ease program operations and protect the health of participants.

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.

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

FNS is granting a nationwide waiver to allow state agencies to reimburse Summer Food Service Program sponsors for meals served prior to the sponsor receiving written notification that the sponsor or site has been approved for participation in the program. FNS is also waiving the requirement for state agencies to conduct pre-approval visits of SFSP sponsors and sites.

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.