During last week's call we shared some information that we would like to update and clarify:
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Transitioning to "Traditional" Summer: Thank you for your messages about transitioning to "traditional" summer operations. USDA is expected to release information soon regarding this. OSPI Child Nutrition Services is working to make this transition as simple as possible and will release information as soon as we are able.
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And Justice For All (AJFA) Posters: During the call we shared that the AJFA must be posted where meals are distributed, including bus stops. While state law does not allow posters to be placed on buses, the AJFA poster can be adhered to the cooler or box holding meals.
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ServSafe Food Handler Training: We also shared information about this training. Washington's food code is different than federal requirements and is not eligible for this training. We recommend to work with your local health department to obtain food handler cards.
If you were registered for any of our Weekly Updates, you should have received an email with slides and additional information from last week's call. If you did not receive an email in your inbox, please check your SPAM box.
We have extended this meeting one more week - Join us on April 29 and May 6!
Register here for the Weekly COVID Update call
Date and Time: Wednesdays, 2 - 3pm.
Please keep an eye out for future CNS Updates for any changes.
Thank you for your feedback, 'see' you on Wednesday!
Serving Meals to Children 0-11 months?
Infants have special dietary needs that need to be considered when serving meals as part of the Child Nutrition Programs.
If you indicated that your organization is serving infants during the COVID-19 unexpected closures, you are required to meet infant meal pattern requirements. Please join us for an important webinar on infant meal pattern and 'grab & go' service when serving infants.
Register Here
Date: Today, April 27, 2020 Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm PT
Last week, we sent emails directly to sponsors who indicated that they were serving infants. If you already responded to our emails and indicated you are not, after all, serving infant meals, please disregard this message.
This webinar will be recorded and shared at a later time.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released three (3) policy memos related to School Meals and Summer Programs.
- SP 15, CACFP 09, SFSP 08-2020 - Child Nutrition Program Meal Service During Novel Coronavirus Outbreaks: Q&A #4
- This memo reviews common questions regarding meal service during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #13 - Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility in the Child Nutrition Programs - EXTENSION
- This memo extends meal pattern flexibilities through May 31, 2020.
- COVID 19: Child Nutrition Responses #14-17 - Nationwide Waivers for the Summer Food Service Program and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option
- These memos review common questions regarding: Closed Enrolled Site Eligibility (SFSP and SSO), First Week Site Visits (SFSP), Offer vs Serve (SFSP), and Meal Service Time Restrictions (SFSP and SSO).
OSPI Child Nutrition Services is reviewing these memos. Additional information will be released as procedures are put into place.
Questions? Please contact your program specialist.
Breakfast After the Bell (BAB) programs across the state have been boosting meal participation and increasing access to a healthy morning meal for our students. The Washington Kids Ready to Learn Act of 2018 requires certain high-need public schools to implement a Breakfast After the Bell (BAB) program.
Required Schools
Public schools with at least 70% of students eligible for free or reduced-price (F/RP) meals must establish a BAB Program. Review the list of schools required to implement BAB in school year 2020-21.
Exemption Form
If your school is listed as a required school and you think that you meet one of the two exemptions, you may fill out the BAB exemption form and return it to OSPI CNS by July 31, 2020.
Guidance and Resources
We have a number of resources on the School Breakfast webpage, including links to toolkits, videos, and startup guides.
Breakfast After the Bell Reference Sheet
Questions? Email Mikhail Cherniske, Program Specialist - Legislation.
OSPI and PrimeroEdge are working together to offer Menu Planning Nutrient Analysis (MPNA) software and training at no cost to districts.
If you haven't already started using the software, now is the time to learn more!
The MPNA software is USDA-approved for nutrient analysis to meet the school meal program requirements and will help you manage ingredients, create recipes, create cycle menus, and more!
Training registration is required before access can be provided to the software.
Please visit our PrimeroEdge MPNA software website to request a demo and sign up for training.
Now more than ever we must recognize you, our school lunch (or rather, meals) heroes!
School Lunch Hero Day is a chance to showcase the difference school nutrition professionals make for every child you serve. Celebrate your lunch heroes with us on May 1st (or any day you choose)!
You can share your thanks in many ways. Here are some ideas:
- Send a Thank You Card - English | Spanish
- Display posters and banners during meal services
- Promote School Lunch Hero Day on Social Media
For more ideas, please visit the School Lunch Hero Day webpage.
Share your celebrations with us by emailing samantha.brueske@k12.wa.us.
Dealing with food shortages? Can’t find specific distribution supplies? Running into staffing issues? - Let us know in the second Meal Service Needs survey! We’re working with the United Way of King County to identify needs and connect you with support and supplies.
Submit Your Survey Here
Some things you may be able to receive assistance with include:
- Food
- Food Packaging supplies (boxes, clamshells, etc)
- Sanitation/Cleaning Supplies (gloves, paper towels, hand sanitizer, soap)
- Staffing Needs (milk coolers, insulated bags, rolling racks)
Please submit your survey as soon as possible so we can help coordinate support efforts!
Join the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) for a free webinar on how to market your summer programs.
Great marketing strategies can have a direct effect on increasing participation at summer feeding sites. Register to hear panelists representing schools, State agencies, and national partners share strategies and resources for marketing Summer Food Service Programs.
Register Here
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2020 Time: 12 - 1pm PT
ICN has free online training available anytime! Visit their e-learning website to learn more.
Register now to attend free, LIVE, interactive food safety training sessions for child nutrition professionals.
You can attend the following sessions led by the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) trainers during April, May, and early June, 2020.
- Food Allergies for School Nutrition Managers and Staff
- Food Safety Basics
- Norovirus for Schools
For more details and equipment requirements for this training, visit the ICN Virtual Training webpage.
April 27
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Serving Infants During COVID-19 - 1:30pm | Register Here
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April 29
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Weekly School Meals and Summer Programs Sponsors Call - 2pm | Register Here
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