5th Nationwide Waiver! Parent Meal Pick Up

In light of the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has granted a fifth nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19). (See first three waiver re: meal times, non-congregate, and afterschool activity here.)

Under this 5th waiver, Program operators in a State with an approved waiver allowing non-congregate meal distribution during COVID-19-related operations may distribute meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their children.

• Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children - applies to NSLP, SBP, CACFP, and SFSP (link)

Special note: This waiver also applies to guardians picking up meals for adult participants in CACFP Adult Day Care programs.

This waiver is effective immediately and remains in effect until June 30, 2020, or until expiration of the federally declared public health emergency, whichever is earlier. This waiver applies automatically to all States that elect to use it, without further application.

FNS declares that State agencies must have a plan for ensuring that Program operators are able to maintain accountability and program integrity. This includes putting in place processes to ensure that meals are distributed only to parents or guardians of eligible children, and that duplicate meals are not distributed to any child.

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