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 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.

FNS is extending a waiver of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program meal pattern requirements to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19) this summer.

On Jan. 4, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education released a fact sheet that outlines options and clarification for state and local educational agencies to successfully implement programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 while operating under child nutrition programs waiver flexibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

USDA is committed to providing nutrition assistance to hard-hit families across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. On January 22, in support of President Biden’s call to action on hunger, USDA announced that it is increasing the Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) benefit by approximately 15 percent, providing more money for low-income families and millions of children missing meals due to school and child care closures.

FNS is offering additional funds to state agencies administering the NSLP, School Breakfast Program, and CACFP to provide local operators of those programs with additional reimbursements for emergency operating costs they incurred during the public health emergency.

FNS is establishing a nationwide opt-in waiver to help minimize the impact of coronavirus related school closures on USDA Foods entitlement calculations.

This waiver cancels selected administrative data reporting requirements in the child nutrition programs.

This waiver allows food service management company contracts that may expire by or around June 30, 2021, and have not been extended for SY 2020-2021 to be extended through school year 2021-2022 (June 30, 2022). To ensure program integrity during this time, extended FSMC contracts are limited to one-year only. 

This memorandum provides clarification on additional questions related to the operation of the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Seamless Summer Option, Summer Food Service Program and Child and Adult Care Food Program during school year 2020-21.