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COVID-19 UPDATES

NY State Updates on Coronavirus and Operation of Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs

For the 2.2 million people living in NY households that struggle against hunger, COVID-19 presents unique challenges.

Hunger Solutions New York is working to provide updates that can help schools, community organizations, and families mitigate the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the food security of low-income people.

Have you or your family been affected by the Coronavirus outbreak?

You may be eligible for programs that help you buy food. Get information on applying for SNAP and WIC during the COVID-19 outbreak, and learn how we can help.

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SNAP —updated 7/10/23

7/10/23 Update:

COVID-19 SNAP Interview Adjustment and Telephone Signature Continue to be Available to Counties after the Public Health Emergency

OTDA issued a notice on COVID-19 to local social service districts. Highlights include:

United States Depart of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has approved NYS request to continue use of certain SNAP waivers beyond the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

In NYS, SNAP COVID-19 interview adjustments are in effect through May 31, 2024, and Telephonic Signature will remain available to counties through June 30, 2024.

Interview Adjustments at Initial Application and Recertification
SNAP offices are not required to interview new SNAP applicant households that apply by May 31, 2024 or recertifying households whose recertification application is received by May 31, 2024 and whose last month of certification is on or before May 31, 2024 — if the following conditions are met:

  • The applicant’s identity has been verified; and,
  • All other mandatory information and verification has been provided and is valid:
      1. Identity
      2. Social Security Number
      3. Residency
      4. Gross non-exempt income (earned and unearned)
      5. Disability
      6. Immigration Status (also referred to as, “Alien Status” by OTDA)
  • If either of these conditions are not met, then an interview will be required.
  • SNAP offices are directed to make every attempt to verify household circumstances through data matching and information currently present in the State and district systems.
  • SNAP offices will be required to interview the household if any of the information or verification submitted is unclear or cannot be verified through separate data matches.
    SNAP offices have a choice in implementing these adjustments.

New Applications Eligible for Expedited Processing
SNAP offices can choose to apply the following rules through May 31, 2024. SNAP applicants who apply before May 31, 2024, that are found eligible for expedited processing may be processed and an expedited benefit issued without an interview being attempted or taking place if the following conditions are met:

  • the applicant’s identity has been verified; and
  • the applicant has provided enough information for the SNAP office to determine eligibility and calculate a SNAP benefit.

SNAP applicants who receive an expedited benefit and are being processed for ongoing SNAP benefits do not need to be interviewed if they submitted all mandatory verification (see list of mandatory verification above) prior to receiving the ongoing SNAP benefits.

The Telephonic Signature Waiver
The Telephonic Signature Waiver will continue to be available to SNAP offices in NYS through June 30, 2024
Telephonic Signature is a temporary waiver due to COVID-19 that allows SNAP offices to adjust the requirements for recording a telephonic signature for SNAP applications filed over the telephone or submitted without a signature. SNAP offices can choose to implement this waiver and must let OTDA know that they are implementing this waiver.

For more information on the SNAP interview process, see our SNAP Prescreening Guide, Applying for SNAP section.

 

6/21/23 Update:
End of SNAP Expanded Student Eligibility Criteria Due to COVID-19

OTDA issued a notice on the end of the expanded SNAP student eligibility rules to local social service districts, including frequently asked questions.

Due to the end of the federal public health emergency (PHE), students will no longer have the ability to utilize two temporary COVID-19 exemptions to qualify for SNAP. The expanded SNAP eligibility included the following temporary student exemptions:

  • Eligible to participate in a state or federally financed work-study program, or
  • Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the current academic year.

The temporary student exemptions will remain in effect for an additional 30 days after the end of the federal PHE before sunsetting:

  • For students recertifying, the temporary student exemptions can be applied to recertifications submitted by June 30, 2023; regardless of when the recertification is processed or the household’s expiring certification end date.

Students in households that submit their recertification application by June 30, 2023, and are recertified, retain the temporary student exemption until their next recertification.

Students may continue to be eligible for SNAP if they meet another permanent student exemption. Individuals who meet the criteria to be considered an eligible student for SNAP must also meet all other SNAP eligibility criteria.

For more information on the temporary federal student exemptions that are ending or for more resources visit our SNAP and Student web page.

See our SNAP Prescreening Guide for full eligibility rules for students and for more information on the permanent student exemptions.

 

3/6/23 Update:
COVID-19 Emergency Allotments of SNAP Have Ended

Emergency Allotments (EA) of SNAP benefits were authorized by Congress under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020. SNAP Emergency Allotments (EAs) were intended to continue for the duration of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration. However, the omnibus bill passed by Congress in December 2022 put into law a premature end to SNAP EAs, setting February 2023 as the last month of distribution.

Because of this change, SNAP households in New York State will receive only their normal benefit amount, without the added allotment, starting this month.

Every SNAP household will see a decrease in monthly SNAP benefits of at least $95, but many families will see an even steeper decline in their monthly food resources.

Read more about the end of EAs in this FAQ from OTDA, including a flyer, social media and other information.

Hunger Solutions New York’s resources and tools:
End of EA webpage —includes a flyer for community organizations to use with SNAP recipients
SNAP Benefit Checkup Tool for SNAP recipients

WIC —updated 10/21/22

10/21/22 Update:
WIC Flexibilities Renewed through April 2023

HHS Renewal of Determination
On October 13, 2022, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency, effective October 13. By renewing the declaration, waivers and flexibilities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will now extend through at least mid-January, 2023.

Essential WIC flexibilities are tied to the PHE, including remote certifications and certain food package substitutions. Secretary Becerra has guaranteed Governors 60-days notice before allowing the PHE to expire, and WIC’s waivers are in place for an additional 90 days after expiration of the PHE. WIC providers will therefore have five months notice between the announcement that a PHE will expire and the end of COVID-related waiver authorities.

For New York, most notably, WIC agencies are allowed to issue benefits remotely so participants don’t have to pick up their WIC benefits in person. Participants may enroll or re-enroll in WIC without visiting a clinic in person and postpone certain medical tests. Specifically, clinics may serve participants remotely via telephone, text or videoconference, and remotely load WIC benefits onto eWIC cards.

 

10/7/22 Update:
Cash Value Benefit Increase Extended Through December 16

On September 30, 2022, President Biden signed a short-term Continuing Resolution that will allow a continued Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables for all women and children WIC participants through December 16. The temporary CVB increase was set to expire on September 30, 2022. (Before the WIC benefit bump was originally implemented in April 2021, children received only $9/month, and women received only $11/month for fruits and vegetables.)

Now, the temporary CVB amounts are set to stay at 50% of the recommended intake based on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Dietary Guidelines for Americans guidance, and adjusted for inflation, resulting in monthly CVB benefits of:
· $25 for children,
· $44 for pregnant and postpartum participants,
· $49 for breastfeeding participants, and
· $73.50 for participants fully breastfeeding multiple infants.
In New York State, the benefit will be automatically added to eligible food packages with a Benefit Start Date of October 1st, 2022.

Participants not eligible include:
· Infants receiving food package III
· Participants without the CVB in their food package, such as a child receiving infant fruits and vegetables in lieu of the CVB or a WBPs participant beyond 6 months postpartum.

 

7/22/22 Update:
WIC Flexibilities Renewed through January 2023

HHS Renewal of Determination

On July 15, 2022, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency, effective as of July 15. By renewing the declaration, waivers and flexibilities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will now extend through at least mid-January, 2023.

Essential WIC flexibilities are tied to the PHE, including remote certifications and certain food package substitutions. Secretary Becerra has guaranteed Governors 60-days notice before allowing the PHE to expire, and WIC’s waivers are in place for an additional 90 days after expiration of the PHE. WIC providers will therefore have five months notice between the announcement that a PHE will expire and the end of COVID-related waiver authorities.

For New York, most notably, WIC agencies are allowed to issue benefits remotely so participants don’t have to pick up their WIC benefits in person. Participants may enroll or re-enroll in WIC without visiting a clinic in person and postpone certain medical tests. Specifically, clinics may serve participants remotely via telephone, text or videoconference, and remotely load WIC benefits onto eWIC cards.

 

4/13/22 Update:
WIC Flexibilities Renewed through October 2022

HHS Renewal of Determination

On April 12, 2022, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency, effective as of April 16. By renewing the declaration, waivers and flexibilities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will now extend through at least mid-October, 2022.

For New York, most notably, WIC agencies are allowed to issue benefits remotely so participants don’t have to pick up their WIC benefits in person. Participants may enroll or re-enroll in WIC without visiting a clinic in person and postpone certain medical tests. Specifically, clinics may serve participants remotely via telephone, text or videoconference, and remotely load WIC benefits onto eWIC cards.

 

3/25/22 Update:
Cash Value Benefit Increase Extended Through September

On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2022 (PL 117-103) into law. Section 787 of the Act directs USDA to extend through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2022 (April 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022) the Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables for all women and children WIC participants. The temporary CVB increase funded by a continuing resolution was previously set to expire on March 31, 2022. (Before the WIC benefit bump was implemented in April 2021, children received only $9/month, and women received only $11/month for fruits and vegetables.)

Now, the temporary CVB amounts are set to stay at 50% of the recommended intake based on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Dietary Guidelines for Americans guidance, resulting in monthly CVB benefits of:

  • $24 for children,
  • $43 for pregnant and postpartum participants,
  • $47 for breastfeeding participants, and
  • $70.50 for participants fully breastfeeding multiple infants.

In New York State, the benefit will be automatically added to eligible food packages with a Benefit Start Date of April 1st, 2022 through September 30th, 2022.

Participants not eligible include:

  • Infants receiving food package III
  • Participants without the CVB in their food package, such as a child receiving infant fruits and vegetables in lieu of the CVB or a WBPs participant beyond 6 months postpartum.

 

1/18/22 Update:
WIC Flexibilities Renewed through mid-July 2022

HHS Renewal of Determination
On January 14, 2022, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency, effective as of January 16. By renewing the declaration, waivers and flexibilities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will now extend through at least mid-July, 2022.

For New York, most notably, WIC agencies are allowed to issue benefits remotely so participants don’t have to pick up their WIC benefits in person. Participants may enroll or re-enroll in WIC without visiting a clinic in person and postpone certain medical tests. Specifically, clinics may serve participants remotely via telephone, text or videoconference, and remotely load WIC benefits onto eWIC cards.

 

12/15/21 Update:
Cash Value Benefit Increase Extended Through March

On Dec. 3, 2021, President Biden signed the Further Extending Government Funding Act of 2022 (PL 117-70) into law. Section 101 of this Continuing Resolution (CR) amends Section 118 of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act of 2022 (PL 117-43) and directs USDA to extend through the second quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2022 (Jan. 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022) the Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables for all women and children WIC participants. The temporary CVB increase was previously set to expire at the end of the first quarter of FY 2022 (on Dec. 31, 2021).

The temporary CVB amounts are set at 50% of the recommended intake based on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) guidance, resulting in monthly CVB benefits of:

  • $24 for children,
  • $43 for pregnant and postpartum participants,
  • $47 for breastfeeding participants, and
  • $70.50 for participants fully breastfeeding multiple infants.

In New York State, the benefit will be automatically added to eligible food packages with a Benefit Start Date of January 1st, 2022 through March 31st, 2022. Participants may redeem their March benefits in April.

Participants not eligible include:

  • All infants
  • Participants without the CVB in their food package, such as a child receiving infant fruits and vegetables in lieu of the CVB or a WBPs participant beyond 6 months postpartum.

 

10/25/21 Update:
Cash Value Benefit Increase Extended Through December

On September 30th, 2021 Congress approved the continuing resolution, which includes a provision that extends the American Rescue Plan Act’s temporary increase of the the Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables for WIC participants until December 31st, 2021. The temporary CVB amounts are set at 50% of the recommended intake based on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) guidance, resulting in monthly CVB benefits of:

  • $24 for children,
  • $43 for pregnant and postpartum participants,
  • $47 for breastfeeding participants, and
  • $70.50 for participants fully breastfeeding multiple infants.

In New York State, 10/21/21 internal NYSDOH WIC guidance states the benefit will be automatically added to eligible food packages with a Benefit Start Date of October 1st, 2021 through December 31st, 2021. Participants may redeem their December benefits in January.

Participants not eligible include:

  • All infants
  • Participants without the CVB in their food package, such as a child receiving infant fruits and vegetables in lieu of the CVB or a WBPs participant beyond 6 months postpartum.

Participants will be able to redeem the increased CVB through the benefits valid through (BVT) date even if the BVT date is past December 31st, 2021.

The change to October benefits that have already been issued will automatically occur in NYWIC on the evening of October 26th, and available for use October 27, 2021.

 

10/20/21 Update:
WIC Flexibilities Renewed through mid-April 2022

HHS Renewal of Determination
On October 15, 2021, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency as of October 18. The last extension was on July 19, 2021, to last through October 21, 2021. By renewing the declaration, waivers and flexibilities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will extend through at least mid-April, 2022.

Background:
On September 21, USDA extended approved WIC waivers for remote certifications, food substitutions, and other flexibilities. As a result of USDA FNS hearing from state agency partners that a safe and successful return to normal operations will require more than 30 days’ notice once the nationally-declared public health emergency ends, USDA extended WIC waivers until 90 days after the end of the nationally-declared public health emergency under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC 247d). This ensures that WIC flexibilities are now in place until at least mid-April. For New York, most notably, WIC agencies are allowed to issue benefits remotely so participants don’t have to pick up their WIC benefits in person. Participants may enroll or re-enroll in WIC without visiting a clinic in person and postpone certain medical tests. Specifically, clinics may serve participants remotely via telephone, text or videoconference, and remotely load WIC benefits onto eWIC cards.

 

7/21/21 Update:
WIC Flexibilities Renewed through mid-November

HHS Renewal of Determination
On July 19, 2021, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency as of July 20. The last extension was on April 21, 2021, to last through July 21, 2021. By renewing the declaration, waivers and flexibilities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will extend through at least October 21, 2021.

Last September, USDA extended approved WIC waivers for remote certifications, food substitutions, and other flexibilities through 30 days after the expiration of the public health emergency. The recent extension of the public health emergency declaration for COVID-19 ensures that WIC flexibilities are now in place until at least mid-November. For New York, most notably, WIC agencies are allowed to issue benefits remotely so participants don’t have to pick up their WIC benefits in person. Participants may enroll or re-enroll in WIC without visiting a clinic in person and postpone certain medical tests. Specifically, clinics may serve participants remotely via telephone, text or videoconference, and remotely load WIC benefits onto eWIC cards.

 

6/30/ 21 Update:
Cash Value Benefit Increase

The NYS WIC Program will temporarily provide a maximum value of $35 fruits and vegetables cash value benefit (CVB) per eligible participant per benefit month. The $35 CVB will be automatically added to eligible food packages with a benefit start date (BSD) of June 1st through September 30th, 2021. Eligible participants include infants 9-11 months old receiving food package III, in addition to children, and women who have the CVB food item in their food package. Infants not receiving food package III are not eligible.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 signed into law in March invests $12 billion to address food insecurity due to COVID-19, including $880 million in new, temporary funding to strengthen WIC services; $490 million to enhance WIC benefits for four months and $390 million in outreach, innovation, and program modernization funding.

 

3/12/21 Update:
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 invests $12 billion to address food insecurity due to COVID-19, including $880 million in new, temporary funding to strengthen WIC services; $490 million to enhance WIC benefits for four months and $390 million in outreach, innovation, and program modernization funding.

Specifically, with the $490 million in temporary funding, state WIC Agencies can now more than triple the Cash Value Benefit (the fruit and vegetable benefit) to $35 per month for a period of four months before September 30. The funding of $390 million to USDA to strengthen outreach, innovation, and program modernization efforts will enhance the program’s ability to connect eligible families with WIC’s services and improve healthy foods redemption rates.

The American Rescue Plan also includes other provisions with positive WIC implications: $1,400 in direct cash assistance and a significant expansion of the Child Tax Credit to up to $3,600 per child under age 6; both of which are not considered income for the purposes of WIC eligibility. Additionally, there is a five-year increase to postpartum Medicaid.

 

1/20/21 Update:
HHS Renewal of Determination

On January 7, 2021, departing United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency as of January 21, 2021. The last extension was on October 2, 2020, to last through January 21, 2021. By renewing the declaration, waivers and flexibilities associated with the COVID-19 pandemic will extend through at least April 21, 2021.

Last September, USDA extended approved WIC waivers for remote certifications, food substitutions, and other flexibilities through 30 days after the expiration of the public health emergency. The recent extension of the public health emergency declaration for COVID-19 ensures that WIC flexibilities are now in place until at least mid-May. For New York, most notably, WIC agencies are allowed to issue benefits remotely so participants don’t have to pick up their WIC benefits in person. Participants may enroll or re-enroll in WIC without visiting a clinic in person and postpone certain medical tests. Specifically, clinics may serve participants remotely via telephone, text or videoconference, and remotely load WIC benefits onto eWIC cards.

 

9/23/20 Update:
USDA Policy Memo

FNS is extending all current waivers through the end of the pandemic for all WIC state agencies that choose to continue operations under such waivers. For New York, most notably, WIC agencies are allowed to issue benefits remotely so participants don’t have to pick up their WIC benefits in person. Participants may enroll or re-enroll in WIC without visiting a clinic in person and postpone certain medical tests.

 

5/25/20 Update:
USDA Policy Memo

NYS WIC offices remain open and are ready to serve current and new families that are pregnant, have a newborn or children less than 5 years old. Many offices are able to help you by phone, some are offering on-site appointments. Check to see if your family is eligible here. Then, use this link to find the WIC Office that is convenient for you to schedule an appointment.

 

3/23/20 Update:
Many NYS WIC offices are still able to help you by phone. On-site appointments are limited. There are no changes to your family’s “Benefits Valid Through” date. To check your WIC benefit balance, see:

  • WIC2Go, the mobile app
  • Your last store receipt
  • Your store’s customer service desk
  • Customer Service at 1844-540-3031
  • wicconnect.com

New York State WIC is not suspending any eWIC cards. Please be aware there are scams online telling families cards are being suspended. This is not true. Once a family receives their benefits, they have the 30-day date range to use those benefits.

If you have additional questions, please contact your local WIC agency.

School Meals —updated 4/20/21

4/20/21 Update:

USDA has issued a number of nationwide child nutrition waivers for the 2021-2022 school year. The waivers—effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022—allow:

For more information, see NYS Education Department’s memo. Additional guidance is forthcoming.

 

8/26/2020 Update:
School Meal Waivers for the 2020-2021 School Year
USDA Waivers approved for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021

Schools who operate the NSLP and SBP (also referred to as School Food Authorities (SFAs)) must notify the NYSED Office of Child Nutrition of their plan to use any of the following waivers necessary for operations during the 2020-2021 school year:

  • Non-Congregate Feeding
  • Meal Service Time Flexibility
  • Bulk meals require both non-congregate and meal service time waivers
  • Parent/Guardian Meal Pick Up
  • Meal Pattern Flexibility
  • “Offer Versus Serve” Flexibility for Senior High Schools.

NYSED Office of Child Nutrition has provided guidance to SFAs on each of these waivers here.

School Food Authorities must contact their NYSED Child Nutrition Program Representative to ensure operations are within waiver allowances

NYSED Reopening Guidance

“The closing of schools in March 2020 has profoundly affected the lives of New Yorkers. This impact will continue through the 2020-21 school year and beyond. While no one can predict all the challenges that may arise over the coming weeks and months, it is imperative that we plan for a safe and orderly return to school.”

View the entire reopening plan on NYSED’s website here. Information specific to Child Nutrition can be found on page 54 of the Reopening Schools Guidance.

 

5/20/2020 Update:
Nationwide Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Data Waiver
USDA Guidance
NYSED Memo

USDA-FNS issued a nationwide waiver extending CEP deadlines due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. The two key changes for schools newly adopting or recertifying for CEP for the 2020-21 school year include:

  • Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2020 (typically the deadline to apply is June 30th)
  • Eligibility for CEP can be based on enrollment from any time between April 1st – June 30, 2020 and 2019-20 direct certification data (typically only April 1st enrollment is used).

New York State Education Department (NYSED) is now accepting applications from schools and has posted the memo explaining the application submission process.

USDA /FNS also extended CEP notification and reporting and deadlines for NYSED for the 2020-21 school year. NYSED must notify schools of CEP eligibility by June 15, 2020 and must also submit the lists of CEP-eligible LEAs and schools by June 30, 2020.

Learn more about CEP here. For assistance applying or evaluating the financial viability of CEP, please contact Jessica.PinoGoodspeed@HungerSolutionsNY.org

CEP Requirement Annual Deadline Waiver Deadline
Data Used to Calculate ISP April 1 Anytime between April1 – June 30, 2020
LEA Notification April 15 June 15, 2020
State Agency Notification April 15 June 15, 2020
State Agency Publication May 1 June 30, 2020
Elect CEP for Following SY June 30 August 31, 2020

 

4/15/20 Update:
NYSED Memo, “60-Day Claim Deadline Waiver,” provides guidance on the USDA’s nationwide waiver of the 60-day reporting requirement for January and February 2020; the waiver applies to the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Special Milk Program.

The waiver permits School Food Authorities (SFAs) an additional 30 calendar days from the original required date of submission to submit reimbursement claims.

  • January 2020 claims, originally due April 1, 2020, are due April 29, 2020 under the waiver submission deadline.
  • February 2020 claims, originally due April 29, 2020, are due May 30, 2020 under the waiver submission deadline.

This waiver is effective immediately. NYSED urges SFAs to utilize this waiver only if needed and to remain as vigilant with claim submission as possible.

 

4/2/20 Update:
NYS Education Department memo, “Child Nutrition Program Waivers Available During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency,” provides an online form for sponsors operating the Summer Food Service Program or the Seamless Summer Option of the National School Lunch Program to apply for temporary waivers to support access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to COVID-19. NYSED must review and approve waivers prior to Program operator implementation. Available waivers include:

  • Meal Pattern Waiver: Upon approval from NYSED, Program operators are waived from serving 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.
  • 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.

4/1/20 Update:
New York State Waiver of Area Eligibility for Summer Meals
USDA Policy Memo
New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) waiver request to maintain children’s access to meals during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was approved by USDA. Program sponsors should contact NYSED directly for further guidance.

Highlights from USDA Policy Memo:

  • This waives the restrictions on site area eligibility requirements in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Seamless Summer Option (SSO).
  • This allows previously non-area eligible school food authorities and community organizations, in good standing, to serve meals to all children through SFSP sites and SSO during the emergency school closures associated with COVID-19.
  • Typically, open summer meal sites (where all children can eat) must be located in areas where at least 50 percent of NSLP participants are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This waiver lifts this requirement.
  • USDA has directed NYSED to have a plan for ensuring that new meal sites are targeting benefits to children in need, for example, children who may be newly eligible for benefits due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
  • This waiver is effective as of March 23, 2020 and remains in effect until June 30, 2020, or until expiration of the federally declared public health emergency, whichever is earlier. FNS recognizes that there may be a continued need for this waiver, and will carefully assess the situation on an ongoing basis.

 

3/30/20 Update:
Nationwide Waivers of Child Nutrition Monitoring
USDA Policy Memo
USDA/FNS has granted a nationwide waiver to eliminate the requirement to conduct on-site monitoring visits due to the exceptional circumstances of this public health emergency.

  • USDA has outlined specific requirements for sponsors and NYSED for each program waiver.
  • A waiver has been granted for each of the following Child Nutrition Programs: school meals (NSLP and SBP); CACFP; and SFSP. Each detailed memo can be found in the USDA Policy Memo.
  • These waivers are effective immediately, and remain in effect through June 30, 2020, or until expiration of the federally declared public health emergency, whichever is earlier

 

3/26/20 Update:
The following waivers have been issued:

Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children
USDA Guidance
Program operators in a State with an approved waiver allowing non-congregate meal distribution during COVID-19-related operations may distribute meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their children.

Highlights from USDA Guidance:

  • This waiver supports access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to COVID-19
  • It applies to the Child Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program (NSLP), including the Seamless Summer Option (SSO); School Breakfast Program (SBP); Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP); and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
  • States must develop a plan to maintain accountability and program integrity to:
    • Ensure that meals are distributed only to parents or guardians of eligible children,
    • Ensure duplicate meals are not distributed to any child.
  • This waiver is effective immediately and remains in effect until June 30, 2020, or until expiration of the federally declared public health emergency, whichever is earlier.

Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility in the Child Nutrition Programs
USDA Guidance
This waiver provides nationwide approval for states to locally waive specific meal pattern requirements for breakfast, lunch, snack and supper as needed to support access to nutritious meals when certain foods are not available due to the COVID-19.

Highlights from USDA Guidance:

  • The waiver applies to all of the federal child nutrition programs: SBP, NSLP, SFSP, and CACFP.
  • While the waiver is available to all states, program sponsors must submit requests to their state agency for approval that demonstrate disruptions to the availability of food products.
  • USDA guidance states that NYSED should consider requests that are targeted and justified based upon disruptions to the availability of food products resulting from unprecedented impacts of COVID-19.
  • FNS expects and strongly encourages program operators to maintain and meet the nutrition standards for each Program to the greatest extent possible.
  • This waiver is effective immediately and remains in effect until April 30, 2020 or until expiration of the federally declared public health emergency, whichever is earlier. FNS is offering this flexibility in short term increments and will continue to reevaluate.

 

 

3/19/20 Update:
Schools and community partners can leverage federal resources and work together to ensure access to nutritious meals during school closures. The summer nutrition programs (the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) through the National School Lunch Program) are available to provide meals during school closures. Many schools are already using these programs to provide meals to students.

Resources have been made available to schools working to feed children who rely on school breakfast and lunch during school closures:

  • New guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture was released regarding the delivery of meals during school closures related to COVID-19. This Q&A will provide schools and community partners clarification during this unique situation.
  • Ensuring Access to the Child Nutrition Programs in the Event of School Closures is a fact sheet from Food Research & Action Center outlining model meal programs during school closures.
  • No Kid Hungry Emergency Relief Grants Available$1 million in emergency grants are available to support local efforts like home delivered meals, grab and go meals programs, school and community pantries, backpack programs, and other steps to help reach children and families who lose access to meals due to school closures related to COVID-19. If your school or organization needs funding to support these efforts, please submit your interest in receiving emergency grant funds.

 

3/13/20 Update:
NYS Education Department Guidance: “Operating Child Nutrition Programs when Schools are Closed due to COVID-19” encourages schools to prepare now to be able to continue to provide “critical support services” like school meals in the event of a school closure.
 Highlights include:

  • School districts and sponsors in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) may provide reimbursable meals to low-income children during school closures related to COVID-19.
  • To provide meals to children in areas affected by school closures, schools must complete a one page application and submit to CNCOVID@nysed.gov for review and approval, prior to commencing meal operations.
  • Upon Child Nutrition’s approval of their application, schools may provide up to two meals per day per child through the SFSP or the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program.
  • Meals may be provided and consumed at schools or other locations in the community or provided for consumption at home.
  • This memo also includes a Q&A to clarify guidance for operating child nutrition programs when schools are closed due to COVID-19.

We encourage any school with questions to please contact your Child Nutrition Program Representative directly, or email CNCOVID@nysed.gov if you have additional questions or concerns.

Summer Meals Programs —updated 4/20/21

4/20/21 Update:

USDA has issued a number of nationwide child nutrition waivers for the 2021-2022 school year. The waivers—effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022—allow:

For more information, see NYS Education Department’s memo. Additional guidance is forthcoming.

 

4/1/21 Update:

USDA issued a nationwide waiver allowing SFSP sponsors that operated successfully in FY2019 to operate as experienced sponsors in FY2021. For more information, see the USDA memo, and contact your NYSED Child Nutrition Representative.

 

3/9/21 Update:
USDA has extended nationwide summer meal program waivers through September 30, 2021. Read USDA’s press release and memo for more details. Additional guidance is forthcoming.

The waiver extensions allow:

 

10/13/20 Update:

USDA has extended nationwide waivers allowing continued Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) operations through June 30, 2021. NYSED issued a memo outlining the waiver extensions, with additional guidance forthcoming.
The waiver extensions allow:

 

9/1/20 Update:
USDA has extended several summer meal program waivers through December 31, 2020, allowing schools and SFSP sponsors to continue serving free meals to all children during the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The nationwide waiver extensions allow:

 

8/24/20 Update:
USDA has extended several nationwide waivers to allow continued non-congregate meal distribution through the start of the school year, or September 30, 2020, whichever is earlier. Those waivers include:

  • Non-congregate feeding, allowing meals to be served to children outside of the normally-required group setting (e.g., grab-and-go or home-delivered meals).
  • Parent pickup, allowing distribution of meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their child(ren).
  • Area eligibility, allowing sponsors to operate sites in locations that do not meet area eligibility requirements.
  • Meal pattern flexibility, on a case-by-case basis.

 

6/10/20 Update:
USDA issued a nationwide waiver for area eligibility requirements through August 31, 2020, allowing summer meal sponsors to be approved to operate open sites in all areas, not just those where 50% or more of the children qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. This waiver applies to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option.

USDA also extended nationwide waivers for:

 

5/15/20 Update:
USDA Press Release

USDA has extended several nationwide waivers to allow continued non-congregate meal distribution through August 31, 2020. These waivers include:

  • Non-Congregate Feeding, allowing meals to be served to children outside of the normally-required group setting, in alignment with social distancing.
  • Parent Pickup, allowing distribution of meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their children.
  • Meal Times, waiving requirements that meals be served within certain time frames; this flexibility allows for grab-and-go options, and for multiple days-worth of meals to be provided at once.

 

5/5/20 Update:
USDA and NYSED have extended 2020 application deadlines for Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors.

In New York, all SFSP sponsor applications are now due June 15, 2020, including new sponsor applications and annual renewals for returning sponsors. The previous deadlines were May 1st for new sponsors, and June 1st for returning sponsors. Read the USDA memo and visit NYSED’s SFSP webpage for more information.

As a reminder, sponsors can add or modify meal sites at any time, including throughout the summer, with NYSED approval.

Schools or organizations interested in becoming sponsors should contact NYSED Child Nutrition as soon as possible for training materials and further guidance: cnsfsp@nysed.gov

CACFP —updated 4/20/21

For CACFP questions, contact CACFP at 1-800-942-3858 or cacfp@health.ny.gov.

4/20/21 Update:

USDA has issued a number of nationwide child nutrition waivers for the 2021-2022 school year. The waivers—effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022—allow:

 

10/13/20 Update:
USDA Memo

USDA extended a nationwide waiver of area eligibility requirements for the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Snack and Supper component through June 30, 2021. The waiver allows eligible schools, afterschool programs, and childcare centers to participate in CACFP’s At-Risk component regardless of location, waiving the usual requirement that programs be located in the enrollment area of a school where 50% of more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.

 

9/25/20 Update:
NYS DOH Memo

NYS Department of Health’s memo, “Remote Learning in Childcare Settings during Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19),” provides guidance on claiming meals for school-age children in child care centers and day care homes during the school day. Highlights include:

  • Through June 30, 2021, CACFP sponsors can claim meals served to school-age children who are attending school virtually in childcare settings.
  • Centers and day care home providers may claim two meals and one snack, or two snacks and one meal per child per day.
  • Income eligibility applications must be maintained for centers and Tier 1 day care home providers’ own children.
  • Meals brought from home or provided by the local school district cannot be claimed through CACFP.
  • Virtual or remote learning days are considered school days. On school days, At-Risk snack and/or supper may only be claimed if served after the school day has ended, in afterschool care. On non-school days (holidays, school vacation, snow days, and days when the school does not have in-person or remote learning scheduled), At-Risk meals can be claimed when served during the day.

 

9/18/20 Update:
USDA Waiver

USDA has issued a nationwide waiver for area eligibility requirements for the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Snack and Supper component through December 31, 2020. The waiver allows eligible schools and afterschool programs to participate in the At-Risk component regardless of location, waiving the usual requirement that programs be located in the enrollment area of a school where 50% of more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.

 

6/25/20 Update:
USDA has extended several nationwide waivers to allow continued non-congregate meal distribution through June 30, 2021. Those waivers include:

 

5/15/20 Update:
USDA Press Release

USDA has extended several nationwide waivers to allow continued non-congregate meal distribution through August 31, 2020. These waivers include:

  • Non-Congregate Feeding, allowing meals to be served to children outside of the normally-required group setting, in alignment with social distancing.
  • Parent Pickup, allowing distribution of meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their children.
  • Meal Times, waiving requirements that meals be served within certain time frames; this flexibility allows for grab-and-go options, and for multiple days-worth of meals to be provided at once.

 

3/31/30 Update:
NYS Department of Health memo, “Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates for CACFP Sponsoring Organizations,” provides guidance on nationwide waivers related to meal pick-up, meal patterns, and monitoring. Highlights include:

  • Centers and family day care home providers who are approved for non-congregate feeding may distribute meals to a parent or guardian to take home to their enrolled child. Therefore, enrolled children do not have to be present when parents/guardians pick up meals or when meals are delivered during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • If there is a shortage of a required food component, sponsoring organizations may request approval from CACFP to claim meals that do not include all the required components.
  • CACFP monitoring requirements have been decreased. Please read the memo for more information.

 

3/30/20 Update:
NYS Department of Health’s “Guidance for Non-Congregate Feeding During COVID-19” provides information for CACFP sponsors regarding non-congregate meal service. Highlights include:

  • USDA granted a nationwide waiver for non-congregate feeding, which allows CACFP sponsors to continue serving meals to children and adult participants individually. In order to be approved for non-congregate meal service, the sponsor must complete the CACFP-213 COVID-19 Application for Feeding Flexibility (included with the memo to sponsors).
  • Meals can be distributed at a site where households pick up the meals or delivered to children and/or adult participant’s homes, or a combination of both.
  • Sponsors may provide multiple meals and snacks at one time for up to a 3-day period.
  • All meals and snacks must meet CACFP meal pattern requirements.
  • Adult Day Care and Programs offering At-Risk Afterschool Meals are not required to offer enrichment activities at this time.

 

3/19/20 Update:
NYS Department of Health guidance, “Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for CACFP Sponsoring Organizations,” explains current flexibilities, waivers submitted to USDA for approval, and other resources available to CACFP providers. Highlights include:

  • NYS CACFP has submitted several waivers to USDA, and will notify sponsoring organizations if they are approved. Please read the linked memo for additional information.
  • When a school is closed, the school may establish an emergency program through the Child Nutrition Programs to provide food to children who normally attend their school; childcare centers or homes can also receive meals from these schools or other sites at no cost.

Resources to use in your community:

Summer EBT

  • Information about Summer EBT

SNAP Outreach for Schools Toolkit

  • Resources to use on your website, social media, and other communications to inform families about SNAP and other available help.

WIC Outreach for Community Partners

As a statewide organization dedicated to alleviating hunger, our mission is more important than ever. We will continue to keep you updated on developments.

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