In the June 7, 2016, Federal Register, USDA's Food and Nutrition Service ("FNS") extended the comment period from May 31, 2016, to July 7, 2016, for a proposed rule published on March 31, 2016, which aims to codify several provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 that affect the integrity of the Child Nutrition Programs ("Programs"). Specifically, the proposed rule sets criteria for assessments against state agencies and program operators who jeopardize the integrity of the Programs, establishes certain procedures such as for the termination and disqualification of entities in the Summer Food Service Program, and prohibits the participation of entities or individuals terminated from any of the Programs. It also establishes state liability for reimbursements incurred as a result of a state's failure to conduct timely hearings in the Child and Adult Care Food Program ("CACFP") and establishes criteria for increased state audit funding for CACFP, among others. In addition, the proposed rule makes several operational changes to improve oversight of an institution's financial management. Comments are due July 7, 2016.
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