|
The Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs (ODE CNP) has become aware that sponsors may be continuing to offer Child Nutrition Program meals via Grab-n-Go or other non-congregate delivery models. As a reminder, the flexibility the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided to offer non-congregate meals through Nationwide waivers has expired. Grab-n-Go, Parent Pick-Up, meal delivery and other non-congregate meal service options are not allowable.
Further, ODE CNP understands that the shift back to standard Program operations can lead to confusion and frustration, and that sponsors may desire to continue to provide meals via a Grab-n-Go or other non-congregate option. If sponsors choose to provide non-congregate meals, outside of an approved State waiver, the sponsor may not claim meal reimbursement for those meals and must pay for all associated costs of providing those meals from funds other than the nonprofit foodservice account. Sponsors must also develop a system to ensure those meals are not included in claims for ODE CNP meal reimbursement. Sponsors providing meals through a non-congregate option, are asked to notify ODE CNP by sending an email to ode.cnp@ode.oregon.gov with details of the method of meal service. ODE CNP will follow up with any questions or clarifications.
For school districts operating online schools, ODE CNP issued specific guidance on September 8, 2022 related to meal services and virtual/online schools. To review that specific guidance, and for all USDA and ODE CNP issued memos and newsletters, please visit the ODE public webpage here: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/childnutrition/Pages/MemosAnnouncements.aspx
Whether you are operating one Child Nutrition Program, or multiple, it is the responsibility of each sponsor to operate the Program in accordance with its regulations and guidance.
If you have any questions, please contact your assigned Child Nutrition Specialist.
|
