On October 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced extending flexibilities for free school meals to continue through June 30, 2021. The twelve nationwide COVID-19 waivers extend existing flexibilities that:

  • Allow the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) to continue providing all students, meals at no cost through June 30, 2021.
  • Permit meals to be served in outdoor settings.
  • Waive meal pattern requirements.
  • Allow parents/guardians to pick-up meals for their children.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue stated, “As our nation recovers and reopens, we want to ensure that children continue to receive the nutritious breakfasts and lunches they count on during the school year wherever they are, and however they are learning.”

The California Department of Education (CDE) will provide additional information during their webinar on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. CDE Webinar link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88363460196 and Password: 182792.

The twelve nationwide COVID-19 waivers are listed below:

  • COVID-19 Response #59 – Nationwide waiver to allow SFSP and SSO operations through SY 2020-21 – extension
  • COVID-19 Response #60 – Nationwide waiver to extend area eligibility waivers – extension #3
  • COVID-19 Response #61 – Nationwide waiver to allow non-congregate feeding in SFSP/SSO – extension #5
  • COVID-19 Response #62 – Nationwide waiver to allow parents and guardian to pick up meals for children – extension #5
  • COVID-19 Response #63 – Nationwide waiver to allow meal pattern flexibility in SFSP/SSO – extension #8
  • COVID-19 Response #64 – Nationwide waiver to allow area eligibility for closed enrolled sites in SFSP/SSO – extension #2
  • COVID-19 Response #65 – Nationwide waiver to waive first week site visits in SFSP – extension #2
  • COVID 19 Response #66 – Nationwide waiver of meal service time restrictions in SFSP/SSO – extension #2
  • COVID 19 Response #67 – Nationwide waiver to allow OVS flexibilities in SFSP – extension #2
  • COVID 19 Response #68 – Nationwide waiver of area eligibility in the CACFP at risk afterschool care component – extension
  • COVID 19 Response #69 – Nationwide waiver to allow reimbursement for meals served prior to notification of preapproval and provide flexibility for preapproval visits in SFSP – extension
  • COVID 19 Response #70 – Nationwide waiver to allow meal pattern flexibility in the Child Nutrition Programs – extension #5

CDE Releases FAQ on SB 820 Growth Funding Application 

Today, October 12, 2020, CDE released a frequently asked questions (FAQ) relating to the SB 820 (Chapter 110, Statutes of 2020) growth funding application, which addresses the submission process, requirements, and instructions for applying. Local educational agencies must submit the application to the department by November 6, 2020. For additional questions, please contact SB820GrowthFunding@cde.ca.gov.