Policy & Regulations
Comment Requested – Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020 DGAs
Based on feedback from our members, NCA has developed model comments to help you provide feedback to USDA about the Proposed Rule regarding changes to meal patterns to be consistent with the 2020 DGAs.
Read MoreNational CACFP Week Resolution Introduced in the House of Representatives
Today, March 14, 2023, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), along with cosponsors, introduced a resolution to designate the third week of March 2023 as National CACFP Week.
Read MoreGuidance on Performance Standards, Budgets, and Management Plans in the Summer Food Service Program
In September 2022, FNS published the Final Rule: Streamlining Program Requirements and Improving Integrity in the SFSP. Compliance with the provisions of the rule must begin by May 1, 2023. The USDA released a memo to provide guidance for state agencies and program operators on SFSP performance standards, budgets, and management plans which were aligned with other child nutrition programs through the final rule.
Read MoreConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2023: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs
Summer EBT will provide EBT benefits on an ongoing basis to low-income children during the summer months to ensure continued access to meals and snacks when school is not in session. For 2024, benefits are an amount equal to $40 per month per eligible child during the summer operational period.
Read MoreImplementation Guidance: Summer 2023 Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, established a permanent non-congregate meal service option for rural areas with no congregate meal service available. This memorandum provides guidance on the administration and operation of non-congregate meal service in rural areas during summer 2023 for the SFSP.
Read MoreFiscal Year (FY) 2023 Reallocation of State Administrative Expense (SAE) Funds in Child Nutrition Programs
USDA released guidance to provide the information needed to conduct the FY 2023 reallocation of State Administrative Expense (SAE) funds. Reallocation is a formal process by which State agencies can: (1) request additional SAE funds above their initial authorized funding level; or (2) return SAE funds they do not need. All State agencies must submit an SAE Funds Reallocation Report (FNS-525) to their respective USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Regional office by March 20, 2023, even if the State agency is neither requesting nor returning funds.
Read MoreReimbursement for Meals and Snacks Served at Child and Adult Care Food Program Emergency Shelters after the Public Health Emergency Ends
During the pandemic, emergency shelters participating in the CACFP were temporarily allowed to claim reimbursement for meals and snacks served to individuals under the age of 25. The Food and Nutrition Service announced that these temporary authorized reimbursements are expected to end on May 11, 2023, concurrent with the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Read MoreOffsite Monitoring of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and School Meal Programs After the Public Health Emergency Ends
The Administration has announced that the plan is for the COVID-19 public health emergency to expire on May 11, 2023. In the event that the emergency ends, on June 10, 2023 nationwide onsite monitoring waivers will expire and onsite monitoring requirements for CACFP will be in effect.
Read MoreAll Nutrition Assistance Programs Must Post the Nondiscrimination Statement
In December 2022, USDA updated the nondiscrimination statement that all FNS nutrition assistance programs, state or local agencies, and their subrecipients, must post.
Read MoreQuestions and Answers on Alternative Protein Products (APP)
Food and Nutrition Service released a guidance document on Alternative Protein Products (APP) including Questions and Answers to assist CACFP providers. It is important that CACFP providers understand how to use and properly credit APP in their programs.
Read More