FNS Documents & Resources

In response to the COVID–19 Child Nutrition Response Act, and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA is establishing 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 National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program (the child nutrition programs).

Pursuant to the COVID–19 Child Nutrition Response Act (H.R. 6201, Title II), and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, the Food and Nutrition Service is granting a nationwide waiver to help minimize potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult Food Care Program, and the Summer Food Service Program.

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. 

In light of the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is granting a nationwide waiver to help minimize potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act) (PL 116-127) and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, the Food and  Nutrition Service (FNS) is establishing a nationwide waiver to support the Community  Eligibility Provision (CEP) while schools are responding to the novel coronavirus  (COVID–19).

Pursuant to section 2202(a) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act) (PL 116-127) and in light of the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is granting a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19). 

Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act) (PL 116-127) and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is establishing a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID– 19).

Due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA is establishing 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, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program (the child nutrition programs).

This Questions & Answers (Q&A) memorandum is designed to provide an overview of the policies related to the Professional Standards regulations (7 CFR 210.30 and 235.11(g)) for state and local school nutrition program personnel. The regulations seek to ensure that school nutrition program personnel have the knowledge and skills to manage and operate the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program correctly and successfully.

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide updated guidance on the child nutrition program flexibilities available during unanticipated school closures. Schools may face unanticipated closures due to natural disasters, unscheduled major building repairs, court orders relating to school safety or other issues, labor-management disputes, or, when approved by the state agency, a similar cause. Unanticipated school closures prevent children from receiving educational instruction and the nutritious meals they would normally receive. The Food and Nutrition Service encourages school food authorities participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or the School Breakfast Program, institutions participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and sponsors participating in the Summer Food Service Program to use the flexibilities described in this memorandum to help ensure that children do not experience a lapse in food security when extreme weather or other events force area schools and child care facilities to close.