FNS Documents & Resources

This memorandum provides Q&As related to the nationwide waivers released for school year 2021-22 and applies to state agencies administering, and local organizations operating, the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and the NSLP Seamless Summer Option. 

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.

This waiver facilitates state agencies abilities to conduct a school meal programs administrative review when a school food authority is only operating the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option in SY 2021-22.

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

This memo announces a new suite of child nutrition program nationwide waivers and flexibilities to support a successful school reopening in school year 2021-22.

FNS waives, for all state agencies and school food authorities, school meal programs onsite monitoring requirements. This waiver extends the Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements in the School Meals Programs – Revised – Extension 2 granted on Aug. 4, 2020 that expires on June 30, 2021. 

Under this waiver, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program operators in states that elect to be subject to this waiver may provide non-congregate meals during COVID–19 operations. 

FNS is establishing a targeted waiver, for all states and local educational agencies, to extend statutory and regulatory deadlines relating to Community Eligibility Provision reporting and election during the public health emergency due to COVID–19.

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.