The USDA issued a nationwide waiver to allow meal pattern flexibility to CACFP institutions and facilities experiencing disruptions in providing safe access to meals or the availability of food products resulting from the impacts of COVID-19. This waiver is effective until June 30, 2021.

You must attempt to purchase different food products to meet meal components throughout this period, since they may or may not be available at different times. To the extent possible, make changes to your menu so meals meet meal pattern requirements, and document substitutions on your menus.

Complete this survey to request meal pattern flexibilities in order to provide safe access to nutritious meals while minimizing COVID-19 exposure or if your agency is currently experiencing disruptions to the availability of food products. The DPI will review each waiver request and approve on a case-by-case basis. You will receive notification when your request is approved or denied.