COVID 19 Preparedness for School Meals- Waiver Announcement
The Nebraska Department of Education Office of Nutrition Services (NDE) has applied for state-wide waivers for the following:
Non-Area Eligible Waiver: NDE has requested waiver of the non-area eligibility requirements for Summer Food Service Programs operating in areas where the census or school data indicate the populations is less than 50% free and reduced eligible students during pandemic conditions.
CACFP Monitoring Requirements for Family Day Care Homes: Request to waive the on-site monitoring requirements for sponsors of family day care homes during pandemic situations.
Below are 8 nationwide waiver approval letters for states under Section 2202 of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act related to Child Nutrition:
Congregate Meal Waivers: FNS has approved waivers from all 50 states, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, enabling Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) sponsors to serve meals in a non-congregate setting and at school sites during school closures related to the coronavirus. FNS also issued guidance on meal delivery using existing authorities in summer meal programs.
Nationwide Meal Times Waiver: FNS has provided a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. (Guidance for States on the Meal Times Nationwide Waiver)
Nationwide Non-congregate Feeding Waiver: FNS has provided a nationwide waiver of congregate feeding requirements to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. (Guidance for States on the Non-Congregate Feeding Nationwide Waiver)
Nationwide Afterschool Activity Waiver: FNS has provided a nationwide waiver to support access to nutritious meals and snacks while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. (Guidance for States on the Afterschool Activity Nationwide Waiver)’
Nationwide Meal Pattern Waiver: FNS has provided nationwide approval for states to locally waive specific meal pattern requirements as needed to support access to nutritious meals when certain foods are not available due to the novel coronavirus. (Guidance for States on the Meal Pattern Waiver)
Nationwide Parent/Guardian Meal Pickup Waiver: FNS is allowing states approved for non-congregate feeding to waive the rule preventing parents and guardians from picking up meals for their children, as long as they protect accountability and integrity. (Guidance for States on the Meal Pickup Waiver)
Nationwide Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Data Waiver: FNS is extending CEP election, notification and reporting and deadlines for School Year 2020-21. (Guidance for States on the CEP Waiver)
Nationwide Waiver of Monitoring Requirements for Sponsors in the Child and Adult Care Food Program: FNS is is establishing Waivers to help minimize potential exposure during on-site reviews to the novel coronavirus. (Guidance for States on the CACFP Monitoring Waiver)
The waivers apply across the state and there is no need for schools, child care centers or other participants to complete a waiver application.
Please contact the Office of Nutrition Services for more information.
COVID 19 and School Meals- Food Service Sites
School Food Authorities across Nebraska are continuing their hard work to give students access to nutritious meals despite school closures and closed facilities. Find a link below to a frequently updated list of open food service sites throughout the state.
Open Food Service Sites (4/2/2020)
Nutrition Services Vision Statement
Nutrition Services provides leadership that inspires service of nutritious meals to children, students and adults.
Nutrition Services Programs
Child Nutrition Program Statistics
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
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 Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, 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
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.