Nationwide Waiver of Monitoring Requirements for Sponsors in the Child and Adult Care Food Program – EXTENSION
4/20/21
Why It Matters:
FNS recognizes that in order to help minimize potential exposure to COVID-19, suspending onsite monitoring is vital to support social distancing.
Summary:
FNS is extending the Nationwide Waiver of Onsite Monitoring Requirements for Sponsors in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. CACFP sponsoring organizations must review facilities three times each year and: 1) at least two of the three reviews must be unannounced; 2) at least one unannounced review must include observation of a meal service; 3) at lease one review must be made during each new facility’s first four weeks of Program operations; and 4) not more than six months may elapse between reviews.
FNS recognizes that during this public health emergency, suspending onsite monitoring is vital to support social distancing. Additionally, with many CACFP institutions closed, monitoring CACFP may not be possible in some instances. FNS recognizes that sponsoring organizations continue to need additional support and flexibility to monitor CACFP while managing the impact of COVID-19. Please note that to ensure Program integrity during this time, sponsoring organizations should continue monitoring activities of Program operations offsite.
This extension applies automatically to all States that elect to use it, without further application. State agencies should inform sponsoring organizations and local program operators of the extension of this waiver as quickly as possible.
This waiver is effective immediately and remains in effect until 30 days after the end of the public health emergency.
Q. Who declares the end of the public health emergency.
A. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (federal level)
Q. Does this waiver apply to the frequency and type of reviews?
A. No, the nationwide waiver does not apply to the frequency and type of reviews. Please check with your state agency for guidance.