This page contains the most recent information and resources available on how the 2019 Novel Coronavirus is affecting Child Nutrition Programs in Oregon.
Supply Chain Disruptions Update 10/5/2021
ODE CNP is receiving reports of food distributors and suppliers in Oregon cancelling orders and deliveries, sometimes with little or no notice to the sponsor. The primary reason we are hearing is “due to labor shortages in their warehouse and delivery drivers". There are also nationwide shortages of certain menu items and paper products.
Please use these resources-
Customizable letter for Child Nutrition Program Sponsors to families and school community about supply chain disruptions and menu changes.
Non-competitive Procurement during Emergency
In response to such cases as mentioned above, School Food Authorities and Program Sponsors may use the regulatory authority found in Federal procurement regulations at 2 CFR 200.320(c)(3) and ORS 279B.080, which allows operators to use the emergency noncompetitive proposal procurement method to negotiate a new one-year contract for school year 2021-2022. The situation described above is an appropriate time to utilize this provision as it is always available to operators if they determine that current emergency circumstances exist. More information can be found on the
ODE CNP Procurement web page.
Meal Pattern Flexibility Waiver Request
A meal pattern flexibility waiver is available to sponsors of the CACFP, NSLP and SSO due to supply disruptions, shortages, etc. To request, please click link below-
Oregon Meal Pattern Waiver Request Form (July 2021- June 2022)
Potential Vendors
ODE has compiled a list of vendors that may be able to provide services to you. If you are aware of other vendors, please notify ODE and we will add them to these lists-
Oregon DAS Price Agreement Vendors
Sysco Portland
Gold Star Foods Clackamas
US Foods Woodburn
Shamrock Boise
McDonald Wholesale
The ODE COVID-19 Food Resources page catalogs and links to each district's webpage with information about how they are feeding kids during COVID.
All Programs COVID Information
Memos, Q&A, Oregon and USDA Waivers
Memos, Q&A, Oregon and USDA Waivers
Nationwide WaiversThis image is a link and conveniently details all of the nationwide waivers and guidance issued to date by the USDA in response to the coronavirus. - No Kid Hungry (2019) Summary of COVID-19 Child Nutrition Programs Response Nationwide Waivers & Memos. Retrieved from: nokidhungry.org
Oregon Waivers
Waivers Pending Approval
USDA Foods
USDA Foods (direct delivery, finished end products, and DoD Fresh Fruits & Vegetables) can and should be used.
April 29, 2020 -
ODE USDA Foods COVID-19 Technical Assistance Sponsor Panel Webinar and
Accompanying Q & As
Existing USDA Foods inventories can and should be utilized in your feeding operations. Many food distributors are reporting shortages of grab n go type food items. It may be more feasible to order in bulk and re-package. Re-packaging could be in baggies, pc cups, paper/plastic bags, etc. Hot foods may be packaged and served in grab n go situations. It is important to have instructions telling families that these items should be consumed within 2 hours or refrigerated to 41 degrees or below and then re-heated to 165 degrees when ready for consumption.
ODE has posted pictures of school district submitted photos of to-go options utilizing USDA Foods on the
USDA Foods Best Practices web page. ODE has compiled a list of Grab-N-Go end products from USDA Foods processors. Existing USDA Foods inventory balances can be used while saving the school money during the COVID-19 crisis:
List of available Grab-N-Go end products
USDA Foods can be given to other sponsors or donated to the Oregon Food Bank/local food bank if the sponsor is unable to utilize. Many USDA Foods have extended shelf life, please keep this in mind before sharing or donating.
For questions related to USDA Foods, you can contact the following staff directly:
Integrity Plan Resources
The USDA Nationwide COVID-19 Response Waivers have allowed sponsors to provide meals via a variety of meal service styles and methods. In the last year, there have been many flexibilities applied to the Child Nutrition Program regulations; however, throughout this time, USDA has consistently emphasized the need for program integrity ensuring that participants receive only one meal, per meal type, per day. ODE CNP has encouraged sponsors to create integrity plans detailing the steps taken to ensure that duplicative meals are not served. ODE does not approve Integrity Plans. Each sponsor's plan should detail the process put in place to ensure that meals are distributed only to eligible participants or to parents or guardians of eligible participants and that duplicate meals are not distributed to any participant. While ODE CNP is not currently requiring sponsors to submit their integrity plans for approval, these policies and procedures may be requested by ODE CNP.
This section is meant to provide sponsors with real examples, from fellow sponsors, of integrity plans, as well as hybrid, in-person and distance learning meal services. The documents linked in this section have not been reviewed for completeness.
Guiding Questions for creating an Integrity Plan:
Program-Specific Information
Some information may be duplicated across multiple programs depending on its relevance
School Nutrition Programs
For regulation and additional information, not related to operation during COVID-19, visit the
SNP Webpage
Grant Opportunities
GENYOUth, up to $3,000 for COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Equipment per School
GENYOUth is providing grants of up to $3,000 per school to supply much-needed resources for meal distribution and delivery efforts to get food to students during COVID-19. From soft-sided coolers, bags, and containers for individual servings, to protective gear for food service sanitation and safety, this equipment will help ensure our children continue to receive the nutritious meals they need. Superintendents, Principals, Nutrition Directors, and Managers can complete the application. The funds are awarded on a rolling basis, so apply quickly. Look for the application PDF on the landing page to help you gather the information needed. Once you start the application, you will not be able to save it. If you have questions, please contact Crista (chawkins@odncouncil.org) or Erin (ehirte@odncouncil.org)
NSLP and SSO Contacts
Please see this list for your assigned specialist if you have questions or need assistance:
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) is part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. P-EBT is money for buying food at home for students. Oregon is sending P-EBT to families with eligible students this summer. The grocery money is to make-up for meals students missed while school and childcare are closed part-time or full-time during the 2020-2021 school year. You can still get "grab-and-go" or summer meals from the school while receiving P-EBT.
P-EBT is a program in partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). Please visit the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) webpage for the most current information.
Child and Adult Care Food Programs
For regulation and additional information, not related to operation during COVID-19, visit the
CACFP Webpage
CACFP Resources
Operational Resources
Meal Service Tips
Safety and Sanitation Resources
Summer Food Service Programs
For regulation and additional information, not related to operation during COVID-19, visit the
SFSP Webpage
SFSP Resources
Operational Resources
Meal Service Tips