On May 15, the Roundtable and the National CACFP Forum sent a joint letter to USDA to extend the COVID-19 waivers to align with the continued stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements in place across the nation. Additionally, we requested that USDA issue new guidance expanding the use of technology for program oversight, the scope of non-congregate meals to include non-enrolled children, and to ensure that state agencies do not add more restrictive or cumbersome requirements to the waivers implemented to support providers and sponsors during the pandemic.
You can read the full letter here.
Today, the USDA announced that three waivers will be extended through August 31, 2020. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue states that USDA understands that there is no "one-size fits all approach to feeding kids" as states begin to reopen. While state and local social distancing orders remain in place the waivers which prompted drive thru pick ups and meal delivery services can continue. The three waivers being extended at this time are:
Non-Congregate Feeding: FNS is allowing meals to be served to children outside of the normally-required group setting to support social distancing.
Parent Pickup: FNS is allowing parents and/or guardians to pick up meals and bring them home to their children.
Meal Times: FNS is waiving requirements that meals be served at certain standard times to allow for grab-n-go options. This also allows for multiple days-worth of meals to be provided at once." (Source: USDA.gov)
Read the entire press release here.
Questions? coordinator@ccfproundtable.org