Skip to main content

THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

Office of P-20 Education Policy
Child Nutrition Program Administration
89 Washington Avenue, Room 375 EBA, Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 473-8781 Fax: (518) 473-0018
To: 
School Food Service Directors/Managers
From: 
Child Nutrition Program Administration
Date: 
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Subject: 
Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessment Extension Request

At least once every three years, School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch (NSLP) and/ or School Breakfast Program (SBP) are required to assess their SFAs compliance with the local school wellness policy, and make assessment results available to the public. 

Based on the July 1, 2017 implementation date of the local school wellness policy regulations, the first triennial assessments are due June 30, 2020.  However, in light of the current public health emergency, providing a revised deadline for completion of these requirements is vital to ensure SFAs can continue to focus on providing meals and meal supplements safely to children.

SFAs required to complete a triennial assessment by June 30, 2020, may choose to accept the new regulatory deadline and instead complete their first assessment by June 30, 2021.  If elected, these SFAs then would submit a second triennial assessment by June 30, 2024.  

SFAs prepared to complete their triennial assessment by June 30, 2020, are encouraged to complete their assessments as planned.  If you have already conducted an assessment since the July 1, 2017 implementation date of your SFA local wellness policy or you are not required to complete a triennial assessment by June 30, 2020, you do not need to request an extension.  

If you would like to accept the new deadline, you must complete the request form found here by June 30, 2020.

More information regarding local school wellness policies and the triennial assessment can be found here.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
  3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Top