Public Notification: USDA Waiver Requests

Published on Friday, March 20, 2020

The Rhode Island Department of Education plans on submitting waivers to request relief from requirements of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), as well as the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regarding meal pattern requirements. If granted, these waivers will extend flexibilities to all of the Child Nutrition Programs regarding their meal pattern requirements during unanticipated school closures due to COVID-19. The goal of these waivers is to provide food to children via eligible Child Nutrition Programs’ participants in a manner that best utilizes available food inventories. If granted, the waivers will help ensure children receive food assistance when needed during an unanticipated school closure because of COVID-19.



The Rhode Island Department of Education also plans on submitting a waiver to request relief from requirements of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) regarding serving meals when school buildings are closed due to COVID-19. The waiver is for schools who are providing distance learning during the unanticipated school closures. If granted, these waivers will extend flexibilities to all of the sponsors of the NSLP and SBP, if they are participating in distance learning. The goal of the waiver is to provide students food via eligible participants, i.e., School Food Authorities (SFAs) who are participating in distance learning, to assure students do not go hungry during the unanticipated school closures due to COVID-19.. If granted, the waivers will help ensure students receive food assistance when needed during an unanticipated school closure because of COVID-19.



For more information, call the Rhode Island Department of Education, Office of Statewide Efficiencies, Child Nutrition Programs at (401) 222-4682 or (401) 222-4698.