Good news from USDA today, June 25, 2020, as they announce several flexibilities directly and positively impacting CACFP operators and the communities you serve.
Non-congregate Feeding waiver in the Child Nutrition Programs This waiver is effective July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021. This waiver enables programs to facilitate grab-and-go or delivery options;
Meal Service Time Flexibility waiver in the NSLP, SBP, and CACFP–This waiver is effective July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021. This waiver also enables programs to facilitate grab-and-go or delivery options;
Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick-up Meals for Children waiver. This waiver is effective July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021. This wavier enables centers and family child care programs to prepare food for families to take home.
Meal Pattern Flexibility waiver in the Child Nutrition Programs. This helps when it's difficult to find food and serve meals that meet CACFP requirements. Program operators must maintain and meet nutritional standards for each Program to the greatest extent possible. The meal pattern flexibility application is located at Extension of COVID-19 CNP Meal Pattern Waiver. Please note, the waiver application is the notification to your state of your intent. This waiver is effective July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.
We can now plan on these waivers throughout the year to create processes and programs to meet the needs of our communities. Are you thinking about putting a program together for providing bulk meals or facilitate a grab and go program? Team Nutrition put out a guide for serving bulk meals. Let us know what you're thinking! coordinator@ccfproundtable.org