RESTRICTED PUBLIC ACCESS TO OSPI BUILDING

In accordance with the Governor’s Proclamation 20-25, “Stay Home, Stay Healthy,” and to protect the health and safety of Washingtonians and our employees, at this time, there is restricted public access to the OSPI building. OSPI will continue serving the public via phone, email, and the website.

See OSPI’s COVID-19 guidance and resources for educators, students, and families.

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Nutrition & Meals Guidance

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person-to-person and the number of cases in Washington is growing. Below are guidance and resources for school districts to use as they continue to provide meals during school closures. 

Summer 2021 Meal Programs - Find a Meal Site Near You

The need for meals has grown due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Child Nutrition Programs can help provide children with nutritious meals all year long. Please share these tools to help others find locations serving free meals to children. 

  • USDA Resources 
    • Summer Meals Locator- Share the English or Spanish tool with your community.
    • USDA Hunger Hotline- Families can call Monday – Friday for assistance. 
      • For English - 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479)
      • For Spanish 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)
  • No Kid Hungry Resources
    • Texting Line - Families may text "Food" or "Comida" to 877-877 to find free summer meals near them.
    • Meal Site Locator - Promote the No Kid Hungry Meal Site Finder.

Resources for Child Nutrition Program Operators

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended several nationwide waivers that allow all children to continue to receive nutritious meals this summer. If your organization intends to operate the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or Seamless Summer Option (SSO) during Summer 2021, an application must be submitted. 

Applications must be submitted by June 15, the federal application deadline. 

Application Materials Include:

Resources

Questions? Contact your OSPI CNS Program Specialist or email summermeals@k12.wa.us.

    School Meal Programs include the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), the NSLP Seamless Summer Option (SSO), the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), and the Special Milk Program (SMP). 

      Resources

      SY 20–21 Resources

      Fiscal Year 2021–22 Operations

      Use these resources for operations from October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022.

      Renewal Information

      The renewal application will open on July 7, 2021, and must be completed and submitted by September 1, 2021. Use the CACFP Application and Renewal Reference Sheet and the CACFP Preparing to Complete Renewal Applications Checklist for additional information and steps needed to prepare for completing renewal requirements.

      CACFP Meal Distribution Plan & Waiver Request Survey

      The survey should be used for Program operation between July 1, 2021–September 30, 2022.

      • Use this survey for operations between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022.
      • This survey must be submitted and approved prior to utilizing available waivers granted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Approval may be made retroactive in emergency circumstances when prior approval cannot be made. 
      • Sponsors must request approval and be approved to use USDA waivers.
        • FNS expects schools and child care providers to use the flexibilities for only the duration and extend that they are needed.
        • Waiver use will be approved on a case-by-case basis and only for a limited duration of time.
        • If your organization needs to use a specific waiver for longer than approved, or if use of another waiver is needed, you must complete and submit the survey again. 

      Available Waivers

      • Meal Pattern Flexibilities
        • It is expected that these flexibilities will be utilized only as needed, and that program operators will seek to meet the meal pattern requirements to the greatest extent possible.
        • Sponsors may request approval to utilize the Waiver to Allow Specific Meal Pattern Flexibility or for other meal pattern flexibilities not in included in the nationwide waiver when experiencing when unable to procure components to meet the meal pattern.
      • Area Eligibility for Family Day Care Home (FDCH) Providers
        • FDCH Sponsors must indicate use of this wavier by submitting  CACFP Meal Distribution Plan & Waiver Request Survey.
        • All family day care homes (FDCH), regardless of their location, may receive the Tier 1 reimbursement rate for all meals and snacks under the Waiver of Area Eligibility.
          • All day care homes, regardless of their location, that receive the Tier 1 reimbursement rate for all meals and snacks.
          • Providers using this waiver must have their tier re-evaluated upon waiver expiration, effective July 1, 2022. This form must be placed in the provider’s tiering file as part of their records.Print and sign the FDCH Provider Area Eligibility Waiver Utilization form and place 

      Reference Sheets, FAQ's, & Other Resources

        WA State & USDA COVID-19 Waivers & Policy Memos

        Washington State is requesting a waiver extension of USDA's COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response #7 Nationwide Waiver of Monitoring Requirements for Sponsors in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. This waiver would allow CACFP sponsoring organizations to conduct two reviews (instead of three) of their CACFP facilities, and waives the requirement of one unannounced visit including observation of meal service. We are requesting this waiver extension would be effective through Fiscal Year 2021–22.

        • 11/20 OSPI Requesting to Implement a Gap Year for NSLP, SFSP, and CACFP Administrative Reviews for School Year 20-21 Washington State is requesting a "gap year" for administrative review for school year 2020-21. This year will instead be used to provide technical assistance to Child Nutrition Program sponsors including training and providing resources.

        • 8/21 OSPI Requesting Parent Pick-Up Waiver for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program - Washington State is requesting an extension of USDA’s extension of the parents/guardian pick-up waiver for school meals programs in SY 20-21 to the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) during the pandemic.
        • 8/21 OSPI Requesting to Operate the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program at Other Sites - Washington State is requesting Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) operation to be extended to additional sites.
        • 8/20 OSPI Requesting Waiver to Continue Meal Services Using the Seamless Summer Option or the Summer Food Service Program - The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) requests a waiver to allow service of meals using the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) or the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) through School Year (SY) 2020–21 for School Food Authorities (SFAs) operating the NSLP and SBP in good standing. Additionally, SFAs utilizing the SSO or SFSP flexibility for SY 2020–21 would also be allowed to continue using the area eligibility waiver which has been in effect for Washington since April 2020.
        • 8/20 OSPI Requesting At-Risk Program Waiver to Allow Up to Three Meals Per Day - Washington State is requesting a waiver to allow At-Risk Program sponsors to claim up to three meals per day (2 meals and 1 snack or 3 meals) for programs offering extended-day childcare during the COVID pandemic. 
        • 8/20 OSPI Requesting Waiver of Potable Water Requirement - The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) requests to waive the regulatory requirement for potable water in the NSLP in non-cafeteria feeding sites, including non-congregate sites, online, or blended scenarios due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Requirement under section 9(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act 42 USC 1758(a), 7 CFR 210.10(a)(i): NSLP meals must make potable water available to children at no charge in the place where lunch meals are served during the meal service.
        • 8/11 OSPI Requesting Provision 2 Base Year Annualization Waiver - Washington State is requesting to waive the requirements for establishing a base year during school year 20-21 for sponsors operating Provision 2. 
        • 7/30 OSPI Requesting Extension of On-Site Monitoring Requirements for CACFP Sponsors - Washington State is requesting a waiver extension of USDA's COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response #7 Nationwide Waiver of Monitoring Requirements for Sponsors in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. This waiver currently allows sponsoring organizations to review sites remotely until August 31, 2020. OSPI is requesting an extension through September 20, 2021. 
        • 5/8 OSPI Requesting Review Waiver for School Food Authorities Operating SFSP for the First Time - The Office of the Superintendent is requesting a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive the review requirements for school food authorities operating the Summer Food Service Program for the first time. This waiver would allow OSPI to implement an alternate process to review and provide technical assistance to sponsors. OSPI is seeking this waiver to reduce administrative burden and allow for continuing support to sponsors providing meals during the COVID 19 pandemic.
        • 4/21 OSPI Requesting Waiver to Reduce Minimum Enrollment Thresholds for CACFP For-Profit Centers - On 4/21, OSPI requested a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reduce the minimum enrollment thresholds for CACFP For-Profit Centers. Centers are facing changing enrollment factors as many non-essential workers are ordered to stay home. For-profit childcare centers may not claim reimbursement for meals served to children in any month in which less than 25% of the children in care qualify for free or reduced-price meals, this waiver would allow centers to claim the children they are serving, even if they are not meeting the threshold. 

        According to section 2202(a) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act) (P.L. 116-127) and Other Extensions Act (P.L. 116-159), and in light of the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) granted the following nationwide waivers to help minimize potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Links to USDA waivers will be added as they become available. 

        • CACFP 12-2021- Reimbursement for Meals and Snacks Served to Young Adults in the Child and Adult Care Food Program—Questions and Answers
        • COVID–19: Child Nutrition Response #97- Nationwide Waiver to Provide Flexibility for School Meal Programs Administrative Reviews of School Food Authorities Operating Only the Seamless Summer Option in School Year (SY) 2021-2022
        • SP 12-2021 - Department of Education Information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB)
        • CACFP 09-2021, SP 10-2021, SFSP 05-2021 - Questions and Answers Regarding Child Nutrition Program Oversight, Administration, and Reporting During COVID-19
          • This memo provides clarification on questions related to oversight, procurement, monitoring, and administration in Child Nutrition Programs.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #96 - Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements for Sponsors in the Child and Adult Care Food Program- EXTENSION
          • This waiver removes the requirement that CACFP monitoring requirements be conducted onsite. 
          • Please note that to ensure Program integrity during this time, sponsoring organizations should continue monitoring activities of Program operations offsite (example: through desk audit).
          • This waiver is in effect immediately, and remains in effect until 30 days after the end of the public health emergency.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #95 -  Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements for State Agencies in the Child and Adult Care Food Program- EXTENSION 3
          • This waiver allows OSPI CNS to conduct Administrative Reviews as a desk audit and waives the requirement for on-site visits for reviews during the emergency.
          • This waiver is in effect immediately and remains in effect until 30 days after the end of the public health emergency.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #94 – Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements in the School Meal Programs-Revised-Extension 3
          • This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP)
          • Extends waiver of school meal programs onsite monitoring requirements, and the requirement to complete the onsite portion of the administrative review during the school year in which the review was begun.
          • To ensure program integrity during this time, State Agencies and program sponsors should continue monitoring activities of program operations offsite (example: through a desk audit).
          • Flexibilities of this waiver may be implemented until 30 days after the end of the public health emergency.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #93 - Nationwide Waiver of Area Eligibility in the Afterschool Programs and for Family Day Care Home Providers in School Year 2021-2022
          • The purpose of this waiver is to assist schools, community organizations, and daycare homes with reopening and to ensure that children are able to receive benefits with appropriate safety measures.
          • This waiver allows:
            • Schools, regardless of their location, to claim all afterschool snacks at the free rate;
            • All daycare homes, regardless of their location, receive the Tier 1 reimbursement rate for all meals and snacks.
            • At-risk afterschool care centers, regardless of their location, to apply to participate in the CACFP and claim all meals and snack at the free rate;
          • This waiver is effective July 1, 2021, and remains in effect until June 30, 2022.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #92 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow Offer Versus Serve Flexibility for Senior High Schools in School Year 2021-2022
          • This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
          • Allows for the waiver of the requirement to serve school lunches to senior high school students using offer versus serve (OVS).
          • Flexibilities of this waiver may be implemented from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #91 - Nationwide Waiver to Allow Specific Meal Pattern Flexibility in the Child and Adult Care Food Program for School Year 2021-2022
          • This waiver allows States to grant requests from sponsors for the following flexibilities on a case by case basis:
            • At least one serving per day, across all eating occasions, must be whole grain-rich;
            • The crediting of grains by ounce equivalents must be fully implemented by October 1, 2021;
            • Low-fat milk (1%) must be unflavored.
          • All other meal pattern requirements remain in effect.
          • This waiver is effective July 1, 2021, and remains in effect until June 30, 2022.
          • USDA expects these flexibilities will be utilized only as needed and that program operators will seek to meet the meal pattern requirement to the greatest extent possible.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #90 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow Specific Meal Pattern Flexibility for School Year 2021-2022
          • This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Seamless Summer Option (SSO).
          • This waiver allows program operators to request specific meal pattern flexibilities from the State agency. Sodium is the exception and program operators must inform the State agency of use.
          • Allows program operators to request specific meal pattern flexibilities in the following areas:
            • Meeting dietary specifications for sodium​
            • Offering only whole grain-rich​ grains
            • Offering preschoolers at least one whole grain-rich item over the course of the day​
            • Offering a variety of vegetables from the vegetable subgroups
            • Offering two different mild options of fluid milk
            • That low-fat milk be unflavored​
            • Planning menus for specified age/grade groups 
          • Flexibilities of this waiver may be implemented from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #89 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children for School Year 2021-2022
          • This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
          • This waiver allows parents and guardians to pick up meals for their children.
          • Program operators must maintain program integrity and ensure duplicate meals are not distributed.
          • Flexibilities of this waiver may be implemented from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, or until congregation in in-school settings is safe and healthy, whichever is sooner.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #88 – Nationwide Waiver of Meal Times Requirements for School Year 2021-2022
          • This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
          • This waives the established meal time parameters, the required minimum time between meal services, and allows sponsors to serve more than one meal at a time.
          • Flexibilities of this waiver may be implemented from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, or until congregation in in-school settings is safe and healthy, whichever is sooner.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #87 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow Non-Congregate Meal Service for School Year 2021-2022
          • This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
          • This waiver allows meals to be served in a non-congregate meal setting.
          • Flexibilities of this waiver may be implemented from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, or until congregation in in-school settings is safe and healthy, whichever is sooner.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #86 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program Reimbursement Rates in School Year 2021-2022
          • This waiver allows meals and snacks served under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) to be reimbursed at the applicable Summer Food Service Program reimbursement rates, rather than at the NSLP or SBP reimbursement rates.
          • Reimbursement rates can be found on the Claims, Fiscal Information, and Resources webpage.
          • This waiver is effective July 1, 2021, and remains in effect until June 30, 2022.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #85 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow the Seamless Summer Option through School Year 2021-2022
          • This waiver allows all school food authorities to operate the National School Lunch Program’s Seamless Summer Option (SSO) when school is open during the regular school year.
          • This waiver allows school food authorities to operate SSO at any school, regardless of its location or the type of site it is operating.
          • This waiver is effective July 1, 2021, and remains in effect until June 30, 2022.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #84 - Child Nutrition Update for School Year 2021-2022
          • This memo announces a new suite of Child Nutrition Program Nationwide waivers and flexibilities to support a successful school reopening in school year 2021-2022.
          • These flexibilities will increase funding, support access, and balance operational needs with the goal of providing nutritious meals across all Child Nutrition Programs.
          • While many waivers provide flexibilities for an extended timeframe, USDA expects schools and child care providers to only use the flexibilities for the duration and extent that they are needed.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #82 - Nationwide Waiver of Community Eligibility Provision Deadlines in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
          • Extends certain due dates for CEP application deadlines.
          • CEP Requirement  Traditional Deadlines New SY 2021-22 Deadlines
            Data Used to Calculate ISP  April 1  Anytime between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021
            SY 2021-22 – Application deadline June 30  September 30, 2021
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #81 – Nationwide Waiver to Waive First Week Site Visits in the Summer Food Service Program for Summer 2021 Operations – EXTENSION 3
          • This waives the requirement to visit each SFSP site during the first week of operation. 
          • This waiver is in effect through September 30, 2021.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #80 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow Area Eligibility for Closed Enrolled Sites for Summer 2021 Operations – EXTENSION 3
          • This waives the requirement for closed enrolled sites operating under the SFSP or SSO to collect income eligibility applications. 
          • This waiver is in effect through September 30, 2021.
        • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #79 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow Offer Versus Serve Flexibilities in the Summer Food Service Program for Summer 2021 Operations – EXTENSION 3
            • This waiver allows Offer vs Serve in SFSP operations. 
            • This waiver is in effect through September 30, 2021.
          • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #78 – Nationwide Waiver of Meal Service Time Restrictions for Summer 2021 Operations – EXTENSION 3
            • This waives the required minimum time between meal services and allows sponsors to serve more than one meal at a time. 
            • Sponsors are approved on a case-by-case basis.
            • This waiver is in effect through September 30, 2021.
          • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #77 – Nationwide Waiver to Extend Area Eligibility Waivers for Summer 2021 Operations – EXTENSION 4
            • This waiver applies to the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
            • This waiver allows SFSP and SSO sponsors in good standing to operate open sites in areas consistent with the State plan, but not located in “Areas in which poor economic conditions exist”. 
            • This waiver is in effect through September 30, 2021.
          • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #76 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children for Summer 2021 Operations – EXTENSION 6
            • This waiver allows parents and guardians to pick up meals for their children.
            • Program operators must maintain program integrity and ensure duplicate meals are not distributed.
            • This waiver is in effect through September 30, 2021.
          • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #75 – Nationwide Waiver to Allow Non-Congregate Feeding for Summer 2021 Operations – EXTENSION 6
            • This waiver allows meals to be served in a non-congregate meal setting.
            • This waiver is in effect through September 30, 2021.
              • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #74 – Nationwide Waiver to allow Meal Pattern Flexibilities for Summer 2021 Operations – EXTENSION 9
                • This waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO).
                • This waiver does not include SFSP, effective July 1, 2021, the regular SFSP meal pattern requirements will be in place.
                • Sponsors are approved on a case-by-case basis. If your organization is unable to locate a particular item, contact your program specialist.
                • This waiver is in effect through September 30, 2021.
              • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #73 – Child Nutrition Waiver Update
                • This announces extensions of flexibilities for summer 2021 operations for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and NSLP Seamless Summer Option (SSO) through September 30, 2021.
              • SP 04, CACFP 03, SFSP 03-2021 - Questions and Answers Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option Operations through School Year 2020-21 - Extension - Q&As #3
              • SP 03-2021 - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Operations for SY 2020-21 during COVID-19
              • SP 01, CACFP 01, SFSP 01-2021 - Questions and Answers Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option Operations through School Year 2020-21 - Extension - Q&As #2 
              • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #58 - Nationwide Waiver of Area Eligibility in the CACFP At Risk Afterschool Care Component.
                 
              • SP25, CACFP14, SFSP14-2020: Questions and Answers Relating to the Nationwide Waiver to Allow Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option Operations through December 2020.
                • This memo reviews common questions for Child Nutrition Program operations in fall 2020.
              • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #57 -  Nationwide Waiver to Allow Reimbursement for Meals Served Prior to Notification of Approval and Provide Flexibility for Pre-Approval Visits in the Summer Food Service Program 
              • COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #48 - Nationwide Waiver to Allow Area Eligibility for Closed Enrolled Sites in the SFSP and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Seamless Summer Option (SSO) - Extension
              • SP 24, CACFP 13, SFSP 13-2020: Questions and Answers for the Child Nutrition Programs during School Year 2020-21 - #5
                • This memo reviews common questions and answers regarding school reopening, meal patterns, potable water, Child Care and Afterschool requirements. 
              • SP 23-2020: Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Operations for SY 2020-21 during COVID-19
                • This memo reviews common questions and answers regarding the operation of FFVP during the 2020-21 SY. 
              • SP 21-2020, CACFP12-2020, SFSP 12-2020: Q&A Related to Food Service Management Company Contracts and Allowable Costs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
                • This memo reviews common questions and answers for sponsors working with a FSMC. 
                • Topics include: Contracts and Other Contracted Suppliers, Monitoring, and Allowable Costs. 
                • If you have questions, please email Jeff Booth. 

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