Over the weekend, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Consumer Services (FNCS) granted eligibility waivers to 31 states. These waivers were enacted under a provision that removes the requirements that Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) sites must be located in those areas in which 50% or more participant are eligible for the free or reduced-price meals.

SNA Joins Allied Groups on Letter to USDA in Wake of COVID-19
SNA joined numerous allied groups in sending a  letter to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) leadership to request additional nationwide waivers, including waiving Area Eligibility requirements, to ensure access to healthy meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association will continue to advocate on behalf of members working to safely serve students during school closures.

$2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package Passes
A $2 trillion relief package intended to speed relief across the American economy was passed by the U.S. Congress on March 27th. This is the third aid package from Congress and is meant to keep businesses and individuals afloat during an unprecedented freeze on the majority of American life. Read more
SNA is working to provide the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic relevant to school nutrition professionals on our resource page: http://www.schoolnutrition.org/coronavirus. In addition, we are in constant communication with USDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Congress as the situation continues to evolve. 

USDA Child Nutrition Program State by State COVID-19 Waivers
USDA is frequently updating which states have received waivers. Learn more 

Thirty-one states have issued “stay-at-home” or “shelter-in-place” orders for non-essential workers. See which states are under the restrictions and if school nutrition programs are considered essential. The list is updated daily. 

Industry Partner Resources
In this five-minute video, SEA Level Social shows how to promote your serving sites via a Google map. 
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President Trump recently signed the CARES Act, a $2 trillion relief package which includes legislation intended to impact feeding programs to provide food access to families.
Now Available on Demand: Feed School Kids Now: How Industry Partners Can Help School Feeding During COVID-19 Webinar
Join speakers SNA Chief Executive Officer Patricia Montague, CAE, SNA SVP Membership and Professional Development Jen Lewi, CAE, SNA Research Manager Donovan Lessard and SNA Industry Advisory Council Chair and CEO of Gold Star Foods, Sean Leer, as they address the challenges and opportunities of feeding millions of children during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Today: Take Care of Yourself So You Can Take Care of Them During COVID-19 Webinar
While you are serving so many students, it’s critical to take the time to care for yourself and help your school nutrition team continue to thrive. SNA invites you to join us for an essential wellness-focused webinar hosted by SNA President-elect, Reginald Ross, SNS.

Next week: COVID-19 Reality: Leading a Team in a Virtual World Webinar
We are moving to a virtual work environment that comes with its challenges—but managing a virtual team isn't impossible.  Join our speakers Julia Bauscher, SNS, Director School and Community Nutrition Services, Jefferson County Public Schools and SNA's Rhea Steele, CAE, Chief of Staff, as they provide you with strategies for virtual management to help ensure that your virtual team is ready for real-world success.
On Friday May 1, 2020, it’s time to celebrate School Lunch Hero Day (SLHD)! This special day showcases the school nutrition professionals who make a difference to ensure every child receives a meal — inside a cafeteria or at an emergency feeding site. Find ways to recognize your heroes here.
SNA continues to consider all options in relation to COVID-19's impact on the Association’s Annual National Conference (ANC) in Nashville, Tenn., July 12-14, 2020. SNA is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Gaylord Opryland Resort and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau concerning the effect of the current global pandemic on their property, and SNA's contractual obligations and ability to host ANC in July. The safety of our members, attendees, exhibitors, participants and staff is our highest priority. SNA continues to monitor the situation very closely. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this unprecedented and unpredictable time, and we will continue to keep you updated.
Share Your Comments with USDA
There’s still time to  submit your comments to USDA on the recent proposed rule to simplify meal service and monitoring requirements in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Use SNA’s convenient comment submission template to have your voice heard. USDA wants to hear from the professionals on the front lines — your experience and insight are valuable.
April’s  School Nutrition  magazine is a special edition including resources, front-line stories, statistics and relevant information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.