As a result of the
activities being taken to plan a government-wide response to a potential
outbreak of pandemic disease, FNS has issued a memo concerning the
Operation of Child Nutrition Programs during a Pandemic.
The Child Nutrition
Programs are designed to support institutional feeding operations. The
authorizing statutes assume that programs will operate in a congregate
setting, whether in schools or child care facilities. During the
outbreak of pandemic disease, public health officials anticipate the
need for “social distancing” as a means of minimizing the spread of
illness by limiting person-to-person contact. Thus, when social
distancing measures are in effect, schools and other facilities may be
closed, and operation of the Child Nutrition Programs will probably not
be possible.
This memo provides
general guidance about possible waivers to Program requirements and
potential usage of the School facilities and equipment.