Many schools are continuing to experience unprecedented challenges in purchasing and receiving food through their normal distribution channels. USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provided a Second Round of Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) funding to enhance schools’ ability to purchase foods for school meals. Throughout SY22 and into SY23, schools have needed to significantly revise planned menus as popular and previously available food items have become more difficult to procure. Shortages and price fluctuations have also made it difficult to provide meals which are appealing to students and meet the NSLP/SBP nutrition and meal pattern requirements. The SCA funds will assist school efforts to provide consistent and nutritious meals to children.
SCA funds remain limited to the purchase of unprocessed or minimally processed domestic food products (also referred to as commodities).
Link to USDA website - Third Allocation of Supply Chain Assistance Funds
Contracting Entities (CEs) that include public, charter, and private nonprofit schools, and Resident Child Care Institutions (RCCIs), are eligible for a $5,000 base amount if they meet all requirements below:
- Currently operate the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP) - including NSLP Afterschool Snack Program and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO);
- Encountered supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency; and
- Faced financial difficulties because of those supply chain disruptions.
Additionally, CEs that meet the above criteria but also have a 25% or more free/reduced price student enrollment as of October 2022 are qualified for an additional amount based on number of children enrolled. Please read the FAQs above for more information on this calculation.