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As the federal government shutdown beginning Oct 1, 2025 persists, and with recent communication from the Department of Human Services noting that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be delayed, I want to acknowledge the concerns for impact on federal Child Nutrition Programs (CNP), your program participants, staff, and communities. Below are questions we have received, and answers provided.
Q: Do child nutrition programs have funding although the federal government is shutdown?
A: Yes. ODE CNP has funding to pay meal reimbursement claims submitted for meals served through the months of October and November.
Q: Are Child Nutrition Programs public charge Programs?
A: Immigration officials use the term “public charge" or "public charge test." The public charge test is used to decide whether a person can enter the United States (U.S.) or qualify for U.S. lawful permanent resident status. Current information from the US Department of Immigration states Child Nutrition Programs (NSLP, CACFP) are exempt from public charge considerations. The public charge evaluation process is completed by federal immigration officials.
Q: Will parents/guardians, adult participants or their caregivers be required to declare the immigration status of a participant that receives a meal?
A: No. Sponsors that operate a federal CNP are not permitted to ask for or require immigration or refugee status on applications for free or reduced-price meals. The confidentiality of the application is maintained.
Q: Can ODE CNP send USDA Foods to food banks?
A: No. USDA Foods cannot be provided to food banks by the State Distributing Agency. ODE can provide USDA Foods directly to the sponsors in case of emergency/disaster for congregate feeding. However, sponsors may donate leftover foods (including USDA Foods) to eligible food banks or charitable organizations following USDA guidance in Memo SP11 CACFP05 SFSP07-2012
Q: Will Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards be shutoff beginning November 1, 2025?
A: No. EBT cards will continue to work as long as they have a balance.
Q: Is it allowable to send food purchased with CNP funds home on the weekends or to send food boxes home?
A: No. Child Nutrition Program funds cannot be used to provide food boxes or supplemental foods outside of Program meals.
Q: Are there other Child Nutrition Program meal reimbursement options to provide meals and snacks to children and students outside of the typical school/childcare day?
A: Yes. The At-Risk Afterschool Meals component of the CACFP and the Afterschool Snack Program of the NSLP are available opportunities for sponsors to provide meals and snacks to eligible children and students. These Programs must be approved before operations begin. Below are links to the two Programs.
Additionally, the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) are available Programs to be offered during unanticipated school closures.
How to find local food resources if you need them.
- Visit the ODHS Food Resources web page to find local programs and food support.
- Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting 211info.org
Thank you for your continued focus on serving Oregon’s students, families, and communities. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
Please reach out to your assigned Child Nutrition Specialist should you have any questions regarding this correspondence.
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