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THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234 Office of P-20 Education Policy |
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) urges School Food Authorities and Summer Food Service Program Sponsors currently operating the Seamless Summer Option of the National School Lunch Program or the Summer Food Service Program, hereafter referred to as Program operators, to apply for any applicable temporary waiver established by the United States Department of Agriculture to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19).
Submit this online form to apply for the waivers listed below. You may apply for multiple waivers on the same form. NYSED must review and approve waivers prior to Program operator implementation.
Meal Pattern Waiver
Upon approval from NYSED, this waives the requirements that Program operators serve meals that meet specific meal pattern requirements as identified by the Program operator in its waiver application.
Afterschool Activity in the Snack Program Waiver
Upon approval from NYSED, this waives the requirements to serve afterschool snacks in a structured and supervised environment with an educational or enrichment activity. Be advised that the maximum number of meals that Program operators may offer remains the same: up to two meals, or one meal and one snack, per child, per day, in any combination except lunch and supper.
Meal Service Time Waiver
Upon approval from NYSED, this waives the meal service time requirements established for both the Seamless Summer Option and the Summer Food Service Program.
Parent/Guardian Meal Pick-Up Waiver
Upon approval from NYSED, Program operators approved by NYSED for non-congregate meal distribution during COVID-19-related operations may distribute meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their children.
On-site Monitoring Requirements in the SFSP Waiver
Upon approval from NYSED, this waives the SFSP on-site monitoring requirements.
Area Eligibility Waiver
Upon approval from NYSED, this waiver allows SFSP and SSO sponsors to operate open sites in areas approved by NYSED based on economic hardship, but that are not in designated area eligible locations.
NYSED will provide information regarding any additional flexibilities as they are made available. Please contact your Child Nutrition Program Representative, or email CNCOVID@nysed.gov if you have questions or concerns.
