Providers: Navigating the COVID-19 Waivers in KidKare

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has demonstrated how incredibly connected the world has become and how “in-it-together” we all are. KidKare by Minute Menu wants to affirm our commitment to continue supporting our valued customers and lead with transparency during this ever-changing situation.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has issued several waivers to help child care providers and sponsors during this time. This article is meant to be informative and does not supersede sponsor guidance. Please follow all guidance provided by your sponsor.

Check Your Messages

Your sponsor may send messages to you through KidKare as the COVID-19 situation develops. 

To view these messages:

1. Log in to KidKare. If you have messages, a notification displays over the envelope icon over the menu to the left, as shown in the figure below.
   
2. Click  to view your messages. You can also click Messages from the menu to the left.

Meal Pattern Flexibility

On March 25, 2020, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service issued a nationwide waiver to allow meal pattern flexibility in child nutrition programs. You can read the full text of the waiver here. Your sponsor will provide guidance on how they wish you to record meals for the duration of this waiver. This could be one or a combination of the following:

• Record incomplete meals with comments.
• Use sponsor-provided placeholder meal items for missing meal components, such as milk.

School Closures

Should your state or local government close schools, add school out days to the Child Calendar. 

To do so:

1. From the menu to the left, click Food Program.
2. Click Calendar.
3. Click Child.
4. Select a child.
5. Drag the No School event from the Draggable Options to the right and drop it on the calendar.
6. Click the event. The Event Details open.
7. Use the From and To boxes and set a date range for the closure.
8. Clear the meals that would have been served while school is in-session.
9. Click OK.

For more information about marking school out and using the Child Calendar, see Mark School Out and Use the Child Calendar.

Meal Pickup Waiver

On March 25, 2020, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service issued a nationwide waiver to allow parents to pick up meals for their children from childcare sites.  You can read the full text of the waiver here. Note that this waiver may not apply to your state. Your sponsor should inform you whether you are eligible for this waiver and how to apply it.  

Grants & Financial Support

The following is a list of grant and financial support resources for child care and small businesses. We will continue to update this list as needed.

• Office of Child Care: Resources for Child Care Providers
• Grant Watch: Grants for Preschools, Early Childhood Grants
• Child Care Lounge: Grants for Early Childhood Education
• Assistance for Small Businesses US Treasury
• Coronavirus Relief Options (US Small Business Administration)
• Small Business Grant Program (Facebook)
• PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Guidance (Forbes)

Additional Resources

The following is a list of additional resources regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and CACFP. We will continue to add to this list, as needed.

• FNS's Program Guidance on Human Pandemic Response
• Child Nutrition Program Nationwide Waivers: Questions & Answers (FNS)
• Child Nutrition Program State by Sate COVID-19 Waivers
• Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide & Checklist (US Chamber of Commerce)
• Coronavirus Small Business Guides (US Chamber of Commerce)