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Child Nutrition Program Meal Service Waivers During COVID-19

Since March 11, 2020 USDA has issued numerous waivers to ensure that children continue to have access to nutritious meals while schools are operating in various instructional models due to COVID-19. 

As a result of USDA waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, free meals may be available from local schools and community organizations for children 18 years and younger regardless of household income.  Find a participating meal site near you.

PDE is grateful to schools across Pennsylvania for prioritizing this work to ensure children - whether they’re learning in a classroom or from home - have access to healthy meals.

Waivers submitted to the USDA include:

November 13, 2020: Waiver Requests: Meal Observation Requirement for Sponsors of Independent Centers; Unannounced Facility Reviews; Definition of New Institution; Definition of a New Sponsor; Sponsor and Site Review Requirements (PDF)

July 31, 2020: Waiver Request for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Operation at Alternate Sites for the 2020-21 School Year (PDF)

July 28, 2020: 21-Day Menu Waiver Request to USDA (PDF)

July 27, 2020: Waiver Requests Submitted to the USDA for the 2020-21 School Year (PDF)

July 27, 2020: Waiver Requests Submitted to the USDA for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) (PDF)

May 13, 2020: Waiver Request to Allow School Food Authorities (SFAs) to Serve FFVP at Sites Other Than Approved Elementary Schools During COVID-19 Related School Closures (PDF)

March 24, 2020: Waiver to Request to Suspend Area Eligibility Requirements (PDF)

March 13, 2020: Waiver Request to Allow Parents or Guardians to Pick Up FFVP for Children During COVID-19 Related School Closure (PDF)

Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Division of Food and Nutrition webpage to learn more about federal programs and initiatives.

Visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition website for additional information.