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USDA Flexibilities Comparison Table

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a comparison table showing the differences in COVID-19 waivers and flexibilities between School Year (SY) 2021–22 and SY 2022–23. The comparison chart provides an overview of how specific program flexibilities have changed since SY 2021–22, and what flexibilities are available for the upcoming school year to support school food authorities (SFA).

For SY 2022–23, flexibilities have been made available through state specific waivers to assist with the transition back to normal operations. SFAs should use these waivers only when congregate meal service is limited by conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic during SY 2022–23. Specific information for each waiver flexibility is provided in the USDA’s comparison table. The comparison table can be found on the USDA School Meals Programs Comparison Table of Flexibilities for SY 2021–22 and SY 2022–23 web pageExternal link opens in new window or tab..

For additional information on the state specific waivers providing flexibilities to California’s SFAs for the upcoming SY 2022–23, please visit the California Department of Education (CDE) Waivers Affecting SY 2022–23 web page.

CDE Online Waiver Election

As a reminder, the CDE has made available an online application for the SY 2022–23 waiver elections. It is recommended that SFAs proactively complete the application as soon as possible, in order to secure the use of these flexibilities in the event that they are needed. For more information on the SY 2022–23 waiver elections, please visit the CDE 2022–23 SY SNP Waiver Elections web page.

Contact Information

For any questions regarding these flexibilities or state specific waivers, please contact your respective program’s School Nutrition Program Specialist. The list of specialists can be found at the CDE School Nutrition Programs Specialist Directory web page.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, August 16, 2022
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