This memo establishes a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals and snacks while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19), in response to the COVID–19 Child Nutrition Response Act. This waiver applies to afterschool snacks in the National School Lunch Program and at-risk afterschool meals and snacks in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
This waiver allows afterschool meals and snacks to be served without the required educational or enrichment program.
In response to the COVID–19 Child Nutrition Response Act, and based on the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA is establishing a nationwide waiver of congregate feeding requirements to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19). This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program (the Child Nutrition Programs).
This waiver allows schools to serve meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program in a non-congregate setting. The Montana OPI previously requested and received a waiver to allow for Summer Food Service Program meals to be served in a congregate setting.
Due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA is establishing a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program (the Child Nutrition Programs).
This waiver of meal service time requirements supports streamlined access to nutritious meals in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Summer Food Service Program.
USDA Foods Update
Shipment #8 of USDA Foods is currently underway, with 5 of 9 routes remaining to be delivered. Shipment #9, the final shipment for SY20, is expected to begin on April 6. Deliveries of USDA Foods from the Helena warehouse have not been adjusted in response to the statewide school closure.
During the closure, schools may use USDA Foods and USDA DoD Fresh in the production of meals prepared for grab-n-go service.
If storage space for incoming USDA Foods is a concern, the Food Distribution Program Manager may be able to adjust quantities downward. It also may be possible to arrange for items to be added to deliveries if needed. Contact Pam Fruh at 406-444-4412 or pamela.fruh@mt.gov for assistance.
Options for Feeding Students
Upon receiving updated guidance from the USDA, if school facilities are closed unexpectedly during the school year for reasons provided in 42 U.S.C. 1761(c)(1), schools have options for feeding students.
Schools are not required to provide meal service during school closures.
All meals served to children 18 and under are free of charge.
OPI received a waiver for sponsors to provide non-congregate feeding at open sites (i.e., grab-and-go).
If providing home meal delivery, the school must obtain household written consent to deliver meals and verify the address. The student does not need to be present during delivery.
2. Schools may continue to operate the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
Grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches may be provided.
Schools must claim and will be reimbursed for meals based on the eligibility status of individual students.
All other NSLP and SBP requirements apply.
If distance learning is NOT provided during facility closure:
During these unprecedented times, experts recommend social distancing. However, there has never been a more important time to leverage social media and other communication channels. Consistent, factual and – whenever possible – positive messaging about your program is absolutely critical when school meals are being served during school closures.
Join SNA President Gay Anderson and the “Tips for School Meals that Rock” team of Dayle Hayes and Jeanne Reilly to learn how you can communicate most effectively in this rapidly changing environment. These leaders will discuss how to address the many questions about school meals you are receiving from the community and how to promote the availability of school meals. You will walk away with practical ideas and resources from districts across the country.
Monthly School Nutrition and SFSP Claims for Reimbursement Reminder
Please remember to submit your monthly claims for reimbursement by the 10th of the following month.
Meals served in March for the School Nutrition Programs and Summer Food Service Program should be claimed by Friday, April 10.
Be sure to maintain meal count records per program requirements for accurate claiming and audits.
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, TTY 406-444-0235.
