National School Lunch Program

"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."

Below is a list of Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sites that operated in 2019.

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The memo below is regarding feeding children in need and child care for essential workers during the summer.  For the original memo, please click here.

As schools closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was critical that school districts provide meals to all students and particularly to students who rely on the two meals a day provided in school when school is open.

The New York State Education Department (SED) has requested a waiver from USDA for all SFAs participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program from the requirements in Section 19b of the National School Lunch Act [42 U.S. C. 1769a] requiring schools participating in the program to make free fresh fruits and vegetables available “to students” throughout the school day. This will allow parents/guardians to pick up the fresh fruit and vegetables on behalf of their children at non-congregate meal distribution locations.

The New York State Education Department (SED) has requested a waiver from USDA for regulation 7 CFR 225.6(e)(15) to allow meals to be served in non-congregate settings as necessary, to ensure Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors can continue to focus on providing meals and meal supplements safely to children.

The New York State Education Department (SED), Office of Child Nutrition Program Administration, will host a live webinar to provide guidance on recent updates to the Child Nutrition Programs. SED will present information on the most recent flexibilities provided to operators due to COVID-19 school closures, the transition to summer operations, and answer operator’s frequently asked questions.

At least once every three years, School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch (NSLP) and/ or School Breakfast Program (SBP) are required to assess their SFAs compliance with the local school wellness policy, and make assessment results available to the public. 

SSO

The Emergency Claiming Instructions for SSO meals served during COVID-19 closures are now available.

SFSP

The Emergency COVID-19 Claim Instructions for Sponsors are now available.

The New York State Education Department (SED), Office of Child Nutrition Program Administration, will host a live webinar to provide guidance on claiming meals served during COVID-19 school closures.

SED is committed to providing on-going training and technical assistance to Child Nutrition Program operators. The webinar will be recorded and accessible on the Child Nutrition website, cn.nysed.gov, after the live version has concluded. Visit the Child Nutrition website regularly for the most up to date information and training schedules.

The New York State Education Department encourages School Food Authorities and Summer Food Service Program Sponsors currently operating the Seamless Summer Option of the National School Lunch Program or the Summer Food Service Program, to utilize available resources, such as the those listed below, to support children’s access to nutritious meals while minimizing potential exposure to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19).