FNS Documents & Resources

USDA has issued a series of question and answer documents on flexibilities and waivers for the child nutrition programs intended to support effective operations and provide meals, while also supporting social distancing in order to reduce the exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

This memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide clarification on the operation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program during implementation of alternative child nutrition program operations throughout school year 2021-22 due to the continued novel coronavirus public health emergency.

This memorandum clarifies that individual state agency waiver requests submitted to FNS in calendar year 2020 requesting flexibilities in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, Special Milk Program for Children and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program during the COVID-19 public health emergency that have not been approved or denied prior to Dec. 31, 2020, will no longer be considered active requests. 

This memorandum provides clarification on questions related to child nutrition program oversight, monitoring, and administration. 

On Dec. 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021. This Act excludes federal pandemic unemployment compensation payments authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act from consideration as income for the purposes of determining FDPIR eligibility. 

FNS is allowing parents/guardians to pick-up FFVP foods and bring them home to their children.

This memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide clarification on the operation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program during implementation of alternative child nutrition program operations throughout school year 2020-21 due to the continued COVID-19 public health emergency.

FNS is allowing state-approved SMP operators to be reimbursed for milk served in non-congregate settings and flexibilities in serving the milk to students.

This memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide clarification on the operation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.

FNS is granting a nationwide waiver of the 60-day reporting requirements to help minimize potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program, Child and Adult Food Care Program and Summer Food Service Program.