" May 1, 2022 - Given that many nationwide waivers are set to expire in June or soon after the declared end of the Public Health Emergency, TDA is requesting from USDA the discretion to implement waivers this summer and next school year. If approved, these waivers are only expected to be used in cases where COVID-19 has affected operations; they are not meant to be used as part of standard operations throughout the Program Year.
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May 1, 2022 - Given that many nationwide waivers are set to expire in June or soon after the declared end of the Public Health Emergency, USDA has provided a list of allowable waivers for which states may request for Summer 2022 and School Year 2022-2023. TDA is thus requesting the discretion to implement the following waivers this summer and next school year:
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
- Non-Congregate Meal Service during Summer 2022
- Parent/Guardian Meal Pickup during Summer 2022
- Onsite Review Requirements for SFSP Sponsors during Summer 2022
- Requirement to review food service operations at each site at least once during the first four weeks of operation.
- Onsite Review Requirements for State Agencies, including pre-approval visits
- State Agency requirement to review every sponsor at least once every three years.
- State Agency requirement to conduct reviews of at least 10 percent of each sponsor’s sites or one site, if that’s greater.
- State Agency requirement to inspect FSMC facilities
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Non-Congregate Meal Service
- Parent/Guardian Meal Pickup
- Meal Service Times
- Offer Versus Serve in Senior High Schools
School Year Administration
- Extension of Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessment
- Administrative Review Onsite Requirements for State Agencies
- Onsite Requirement for School Food Authority Onsite Reviews by February 1
- Onsite Requirement for NSLP Afterschool Care Program Reviews
- Onsite Requirement for Periodic On-site Visits when Utilizing an FSMC
Reporting Requirements
- Waiver of FNS-874: Second (Independent) Review of Applications
- Waiver of FNS-640 Administrative Review Data Report
Special Milk Program (SMP):
- Non-Congregate Milk Service
- Parent/Guardian Milk Pickup
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)
- Parent/Guardian FFVP Pickup
Unanticipated School Closure
- Non-Congregate Meal Service during Unanticipated School Closures in SY 2022-23
- Parent and Guardian Meal Pick-Up during Unanticipated School Closures (SSO)
- Meal Service Times for Unanticipated School Closures in SY 2022-23
- Meals at School Sites for Unanticipated School Closures in SY 2022-23
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Non-Congregate Meal Service
- Parent/Guardian Meal Pick-Up
- Meal Service Times
- State Agency Onsite Monitoring Visits
- Sponsoring Organization Onsite Monitoring Visits
Note that if approved, these waivers are only expected to be used in cases where COVID-19 has affected operations; they are not meant to be used as part of standard operations throughout the Program Year. TDA is developing an implementation strategy and new request process for Summer 2022 and School Year 2022-2023 to outline how waiver usage will differ moving forward. Please routinely check SquareMeals.org for news and updated FAQs. TDA will continue to offer guidance on statewide calls.
Note also that all waivers pertaining to meal pattern and area eligibility are set to expire June 30 and will not be extended per USDA. Sites transitioning to standard Summer 2022 SSO operations will continue to receive SFSP reimbursement rates through June 30, but USDA does not have the authority to extend the waiver allowing the higher reimbursement beyond that date without further Congressional action.
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