New USDA Waivers & SNA Joins Partners on Emergency Feeding Letter
March 27, 2020
USDA has
announced new
nationwide waivers to grant states additional flexibility for meal service
during COVID-19 school closures. These waivers include:
- Nationwide
Meal Pattern Waiver: FNS has provided nationwide
approval for states to locally waive specific meal pattern requirements as
needed to support access to nutritious meals when certain foods are not
available due to the novel coronavirus. (Guidance for States on the
Meal Pattern Waiver)
- Nationwide
Parent/Guardian Meal Pickup Waiver: FNS is allowing states
approved for non-congregate feeding to waive the rule preventing parents
and guardians from picking up meals for their children, as long as they
protect accountability and integrity. (Guidance for States on the
Meal Pickup Waiver)
- Nationwide
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Data Waiver: FNS is
extending CEP election, notification and reporting and deadlines for
School Year 2020-21. (Guidance for States on the CEP
Waiver)
For a complete list of nationwide waivers and FNS actions to
respond to COVID-19, visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/covid-19
In addition, the School
Nutrition Association joined numerous allied groups in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service’s (USDA/FNS) leadership to request
additional nationwide waivers, including waiving Area Eligibility requirements,
to ensure access to healthy meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association
will continue to advocate on behalf of members working to safely serve students
during school closures.