Official Seal of the California Department of Education

CDE Application

Summer 2022 Child Nutrition Program
Waiver Elections

Nutrition Services Division

The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a number of state-specific and nationwide waivers providing needed meal service and administrative flexibilities for Summer 2022 operations of the:
  • National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • School Breakfast Program (SBP)
  • Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
  • Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
    The President signed the Keep Kids Fed Act on June 25, 2022 and shortly thereafter the USDA issued policy guidance for Summer 2022 operations. Since only limited policy guidance has been issued for meal operations for the School Year (SY) 2022–23, the CDE will release the opt-in waivers in stages. The first stage includes waivers for Summer 2022 operations. Subsequent releases will address SY 2022–23 waivers.
    This application will be available at the CDE Summer 2022 Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) Waiver Elections web page through September 30, 2022. While you may opt into these waivers at any time during this period, the CDE recommends Program Operators proactively complete the application as soon as possible; you may also update your selections by submitting additional applications as needed.
    Date of Use

    The waiver flexibilities contained within this survey may only be used during summer meal service. While many of these waivers are valid through the end of September 2022, once your summer meal service ends, the use of meal service flexibilities must end. CNP Administrative Waiver use can continue through full period of availability.
    Documentation & Reporting Requirements
    All CNP Operators opting in to any waiver must complete the online waiver election application and participate in the mandatory reporting, anticipated to occur at the conclusion of Summer meal service.

    At minimum, Program Operators will be required to report a description of how each waiver impacted meal service operations at participating sites, whether the waivers resulted in improved services to children and how the waivers reduced administrative burden, especially the quantity of paperwork, as applicable.
    CNP Operators must also maintain documentation of the impact of COVID-19 on congregate meal service and the duration that the noncongregate, parent pick up, and meal service time the flexibilities were used.

    Summer 2022 CNP Waiver Elections Application

    You are required to answer all questions in this application. This application must be completed and submitted online.
    For assistance with completing this application, or questions about the use of the waivers due to impact of COVID-19, please contact your agency’s assigned specialist or email:  
     Select any CNP you plan to operate during Summer 2022. (Select at least one and all that apply.)