FNS Documents & Resources

During this webinar, FNS shared statewide waivers available at state agency request to assist program operators in transitioning to normal operations for Summer 2022 and statewide waivers available for operational and administrative flexibilities for the upcoming school year.

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.

As school food authorities work towards reopening for SY 2021-22, some child nutrition program operators are concerned about possible challenges in purchasing and receiving food through their normal channels. Specifically, some SFAs have experienced unanticipated cancellation of food and supply contracts, lack of availability of certain foods, unexpected substitution of food products, and increased food and supply prices. As a result, some SFAs are voicing concerns about their ability to obtain the types, amounts, and variety of foods needed to serve reimbursable meals consistent with prior planning.

The Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review includes the 2019 Farm to School Census; a descriptive review of the USDA Farm to School grant program; a review of published research on farm to school since 2010; and a set of interviews with school food distributors. 

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. 

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide funding allocation amounts for all state agencies for FY 2022; to provide information on funding requirements and deadlines; and to serve as a reminder of important program requirements.

This memorandum provides notice to child nutrition program operators regarding Sections 743, 764, 767, and 789 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 enacted on Dec. 21, 2020. This revised memorandum applies to state agencies administering, and local organizations operating the federal child nutrition programs. It is revised to correct the timeframe intended by Congress for Section 743.
 

Learn more about COVID-19 food safety resources available to FNS program operators including new resources for school nutrition professionals from the Institute of Child Nutrition. 

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides free, fresh fruits and vegetables to children at eligible elementary schools during the school day. The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to new fresh fruits and vegetables and increase overall their acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. The FFVP also incorporates nutrition education.