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.
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.
5/23/23 Update:
COVID-19 SNAP Interview Adjustment and Telephone Signature Available to Counties Through June 30, 2023
OTDA issued a notice on COVID-19 to local social service districts. Highlights include:
The Continuing Resolution (CR) signed into law on October 1, 2020, reinstated the SNAP interview adjustment waivers and certification extension period waiver originally authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The CR reinstated and extended the availability of these waivers through June 30, 2021. Then USDA extended the timeframe that states could extend these interview waivers through the month following the end of the federal public health emergency, which ended on May 11, 2023.
In NYS, the following SNAP COVID-19 interview adjustments have been approved by USDA and are now in effect through June 30, 2023.
Interview Adjustments at Initial Application and Recertification
SNAP offices are not required to interview new SNAP applicant households that apply by June 30 or recertifying households whose recertification application is received by June 30 and whose last month of certification is on or before June 30 — if the following conditions are met:
If either of these conditions are not met, then an interview will be required.
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 June 30, 2023. SNAP applicants who apply before June 30, 2023, 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:
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, 2023.
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.
4/5/23 Update:
COVID-19 SNAP Certification Period Extension Available to Counties for April, May and June
OTDA issued a notice on COVID-19 to local social service districts. Highlights include:
The Continuing Resolution (CR) signed into law on October 1, 2020, reinstated the SNAP certification extension period waiver originally authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The CR reinstated and extended the availability of these waivers through June 30, 2021. Then USDA extended the timeframe that states could extend certification period waivers allowing the extension through the month following the end of the federal public health emergency, which is now in effect through May 11, 2023.
In NYS, the following SNAP COVID-19 Certification Period extensions for SNAP only cases have been approved by USDA and are now in effect for the months of April, May and June.
Certification Period Extensions Waivers for SNAP Only cases
SNAP offices are able to extend SNAP certification periods for up to 6 months for SNAP only cases with certification periods expiring in April, May and June of 2023. This waiver expires June 30, 2023.
The waiver is intended to help districts re-distribute and balance their SNAP recertification workload throughout the year ahead and promote timely approval of benefits for households who continue to be eligible for SNAP.
SNAP office may not consecutively extend certification periods. If a case was previously granted a certification period extension and this was immediately prior to the current certification period then the SNAP office cannot grant this household another extension.
SNAP offices are not required to extend certification periods.
For more information on the SNAP recertification process, see our SNAP Prescreening Guide, Maintaining SNAP Benefits and Recertification section.
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
5/25/21 Update:
Verification of Eligibility for the Temporary Federal Student Exemptions
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 that was signed into law on December 27 temporarily expands SNAP eligibility for students who are enrolled at least half time in an institution of higher education.
On April 27, OTDA issued a notice on the Temporary Expansion of Student Eligibility to local social service districts.
See our January 25th post below for more information on the temporary federal student exemptions that the Act put in place or see our SNAP and Student web page.
The Act temporarily expands the student eligibility rules by adding the following two exemptions to the list of student exemptions during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Students must provide proof to the SNAP office that they meet any of the above exemptions. The following documents are acceptable:
The amended student eligibility rules will remain in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 federal public health emergency is lifted. Students granted one of these temporary exemptions will continue to be eligible for SNAP until their next recertification regardless of the COVID-19 emergency declaration being lifted at any time during the student’s certification period.
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
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
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Through September, WIC moms and kids get $24-47/month to buy fruits and veggies.
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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14 Computer Drive East Albany,
New York 12205
(518) 436-8757 (800)
865-5542 (518)
458-6068 (fax)
This institution is an equal opportunity provider
14 Computer Drive East
Albany, New York 12205
ph. (518) 436-8757
ph. (800) 865-5542
fax. (518) 458-6068
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