Resource Child Nutrition Program Service During the Pandemic

Originally published in December 2021, this USDA resource outlines strategies and tips for curbside meals and other pandemic service models:

Although many schools and child and adult care sites have resumed serving meals on-site during School Year (SY) 2021-2022, meal service flexibilities are still available via nationwide waivers during the public health emergency. State agencies may opt into these waivers to allow program operators to provide meals for pick-up by parents and guardians.

This publication includes updated language and information about waivers and flexibilities in effect during SY 2021-2022, as well as tips and suggestions for Child Nutrition Program operators who wish to provide meals for pick-up by parents and guardians. Many of these additional tips were gathered from program operators who successfully implemented parent pick-up at their sites during SY 2019-2020 and/or SY 2020-2021.​