School Nutrition Bulletin 1920-20

USDA extended the effective date of the nationwide waiver to allow operators to provide non-congregate meals during COVID-19 related operations of National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) from June 30, 2020 through August 31, 2020.

 

USDA extended the effective date of the nationwide waiver that allows meals to be served outside of the standard meal times for the NSLP, SBP, and CACFP from June 30, 2020 to August 31, 2020, allow for grab-n-go options. This also allows for multiple days-worth of meals to be provided at once.

 

USDA extended the effective date of the nationwide waiver allowing approved non-congregate meal service operators to distribute meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their children from June 30, 2020 to August 31, 2020. As a reminder, the Wisconsin state plan for ensuring accountability and program integrity includes the following:

 

USDA extended the effective date of the nationwide waiver to allow meal pattern flexibility from May 30, 2020, to June 30, 2020. This waiver extends previously approved waivers and allows agencies to submit waiver requests if experiencing supply disruptions for one or more components that begin during this extended period. A Meal Pattern Flexibility Waiver should only be submitted if your agency is currently experiencing a difficulty procuring and serving one or more components per meal pattern requirements. You do not need to resubmit a waiver form for meal pattern flexibility on components already approved if still experiencing these same supply disruptions.

 

This policy memorandum includes questions and answers intended to provide additional clarification to State agencies and Program operators on the nationwide waivers for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and NSLP SSO (COVID-19: Child Nutrition Responses #14-17).

 

This policy memorandum includes additional questions and answers intended to provide additional clarification on the operation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program during COVID-19. These flexibilities remain in effect until June 30, 2020, or under expiration of the federally declared public health emergency, whichever is earlier.

 

A commonly asked question that we are receiving is: What are my options after June 30?

 

As of today, School Food Authorities (SFAs) may continue to operate as currently approved through June 30. The USDA area eligibility waiver expires on June 30 and beginning July 1 these summer feeding options will apply. The USDA has extended the non-congregate feeding, meal service time flexibility, and parent/guardian pick up waivers through August 31, 2020. Therefore, summer school may operate in a virtual manner and meals may continue to be provided through a drive through or delivery option under one of the following options.

 

SFAs operating under the SFSP that have sites that qualify with a free and reduced percentage of ≥50% (equal to or greater than fifty percent), are located within a census tract that qualifies, or meet the eligibility requirements of a closed enrolled site, may continue to serve throughout the summer. The process for determining closed enrolled site eligibility status is stated below. All meals are served free and reimbursed at regular SFSP rates of reimbursement. Please ensure the SFSP dates of operation are updated as needed in the SFSP contract. Sites located in ineligible areas cannot claim for meals served after June 30.

 

Note: SFAs serving supper and snacks through the CACFP At-Risk afterschool program during the unanticipated school closure can continue until June 30, 2020. When summer begins July 1, 2020, the CACFP At-Risk program can no longer operate as school is no longer in session.

 

SFAs operating under the SSO may continue to operate if the school meal service site(s):

A closed enrolled site serves only an identified group of children age 18 and under, who are participating in a specific program or activity and at least 50 percent of the children enrolled for the activity at the site are approved for free or reduced price school meals. Providing meals to households could be considered an activity that would qualify. Households would need to register children for meals and eligibility documentation (such as an approved Free and Reduced Price Meal Application or Direct Certification) would be required to determine that the 50 percent free and reduced threshold is met for the meal service location. SFAs would need to determine an enrollment deadline to ensure the site meets the 50 percent free and reduced price requirement prior to the start of meal service. All households would need to have the option of participating and once households have signed up, the free and reduced percentage would need to be calculated.

 

When operating as a closed enrolled site, all meals served to the enrolled children are reimbursed at the NSLP or SBP free rate. Meal counts would need to be recorded by name and meals are only available to children enrolled in the activity. Processes need to prevent overt identification of student meal eligibility; therefore, this option is not intended to only offer meals to households that qualify for free and reduced price meals.

 

The SSO waiver currently in place expires June 30. To continue in SSO after July 1, you will need to re-apply and program participation will be reflected on the school nutrition 2020-21 contract. For more information on whether your SFA qualifies, or to re-apply for SSO, please contact the School Nutrition Team at dpifns@dpi.wi.gov or 608-267-9228.

 

SFAs may provide meals to students enrolled in summer school, for the duration of summer school, through the NSLP, SBP, and/or Afterschool Snack Program. The non-congregate waiver does apply to the NSLP (including Afterschool Snack program) and SBP. All program requirements still apply and meals would only be allowable for students enrolled in summer school. These sites may not operate as an open site and serve all children ages 18 and under. Meals would be claimed by student eligibility. Meals provided after July 1 under this option will be included on your 2020-21 school nutrition contract.

 

Remember to check out the DPI guidance and frequently asked questions on operating the USDA Child Nutrition Programs during a school closure or dismissal due to the COVID-19 as we continue to update as needed.

 

We are interested in hearing from you about what you are planning, have questions about, or would like to happen after June 30. We are more than willing to host a stakeholder call if you feel it would be beneficial. Feel free to reach out with comments, questions, or concerns at dpifns@dpi.wi.gov or 608-267-9228.

 

Thank you for all you are doing for the health and well-being of Wisconsin’s children!

 

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

This is a communication from the WI Department of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Team.

You can contact the School Nutrition Team at dpifns@dpi.wi.gov. To subscribe to schoolmealsnews, please send an email to dpifns@dpi.wi.gov.

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