USDA Policy, Information, and Implementation Memos
Sponsoring organizations and institutions are required by regulation to keep Bulletins, Instructions, and USDA Policy Memorandums for reference and to apply them immediately to the appropriate agency programs. Call Child Nutrition Programs if you need further clarification.
To view the USDA SFSP policy memos, visit: DEED Child Nutrition Programs website or the USDA Policy Memorandum webpage by clicking on the links provided.
USDA Policy Memos, Information, and Guidance:
Please continue to monitor the CNPWeb for any policy memos, additional information, or program guidance at the Child Nutrition Programs website.
Additional Topics
New Program Staff
The Child Nutrition Programs team at the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) welcomes new staff:
gavin.northey@alaska.gov
(907) 465-8708
chris.mariano@alaska.gov
(907) 465-4788
waverli.stowe@alaska.gov
(907) 465-8719
SFSP 2023 Intent to Operate
The 2023 SFSP Intent to Operate form will be uploaded to the SFSP-Bulletins and Memos webpage under 2023-02. Please complete this form for all sites that are returning and indicate any sites that will not be operating during the 2023 summer season. Please return this form as soon as possible to assist DEED/CNP with 2023 SFSP planning.
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SFSP 2023 Annual State Agency Training and Registration
SFSP annual training is required by federal regulations for all new and returning sponsors of the USDA Summer Food Service Program.
FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS (SFA’s) ONLY:
Training date: April 4, 2023 (1:00-3:00 p.m.)
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcOqorzMuH9At1QAC3cfnuxcFh339xCG2
Please register in advance through the Zoom link above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.
FOR ALL NEW & RETURNING SPONSORS (non-school districts):
Training date: April 5, 2023 (1:00-3:00 p.m.)
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpcOqtqj8jEtJG9zr39N11Fki-hsdSHcbU
Please register in advance through the Zoom link above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.
All sponsors and SFA’s will need to complete the eLearning modules for SFSP Administration Basics parts 1 and 2, SFSP Operation Basics parts 1 and 2, and Civil Rights training prior to the follow up training sessions provided via distance-delivery. The eLearning modules can be found at DEED eLearning website.
Please Note: To confirm completion of all required SFSP trainings, submit all 2023 eLearning certificates and an email certification to jennifer.cherian@alaska.gov with the following statement by March 23, 2023:
"I (Name), Food Program Coordinator for (Sponsor Name), certify that I viewed all required SFSP (new/returning) sponsor training sessions. I understand that I am responsible for complying with the content of the training."
Distance delivery link, dial-in information, and training materials will be sent via email to all registered participants prior to training dates. Training registration deadline is March 31, 2023.
SFSP 2023 Application Deadline: April 15, 2023
The CNPWeb is expected to open for 2023 SFSP applications by early March. For sponsors with end of school year/May start dates, DEED/CNP requests that sponsors submit completed applications with supporting documentation by April 15, 2023. Completed applications will be processed in the order they are received. DEED/CNP has 30 days to process them from the date of receipt. Incomplete applications will cause a delay in the approval of the application. It is important to note that due to federal requirements, DEED/CNP will not accept late renewal applications at the sponsor level. Any meals served prior to approval cannot be claimed for reimbursement.
Applications will be accepted at sponsor and site levels as long as they are completed. Incomplete applications will not be approved. Sites may not begin meal service until their application is approved by DEED/CNP in the CNP Web database.
New (and returning) sites may be added throughout the summer, provided that the sponsor is approved prior to the deadline.
New sponsors will need to contact DEED/CNP for a new sponsor application packet. Sponsor applications will not be accepted after the federally regulated deadline of June 15, 2023.
SFSP 2023 Renewal Process
All renewal forms will be posted in the CNP Web under 2023 in the Checklist tab prior to the State agency training dates. It is anticipated that all 2023 CNP Web forms will be available by late February to early March.
Final Rule: Streamlining Program Requirements and Improving Integrity in the Summer Food Service Program
This rule amends SFSP regulations to strengthen program integrity by clarifying, simplifying, and streamlining program administration to facilitate compliance with program requirements (Final Rule: Streamlining Program Requirements & Improving Integrity in the SFSP). Through this final rule, USDA is codifying changes to the regulations that will streamline requirements among Child Nutrition Programs, simplify the application process, enhance monitoring requirements, offer more clarity on existing requirements, and provide more discretion at the State agency level to manage program operations. Compliance with the provisions of this rule begins May 1, 2023. These changes will be discussed further during the annual SFSP training.
Proposed Updates to School Nutrition Standards
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service is proposing updates to the school nutrition standards in a few key areas (Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans).
Notably, this rulemaking proposes new added sugars standards for the school lunch and breakfast programs. It also proposes gradually reducing school meal sodium limits, consistent with research recommending lower sodium intake beginning early in life to reduce children’s risk of chronic disease.
In addition to addressing nutrition standards, this rule proposes measures to strengthen the Buy American provision in the school meal programs. As described below, this rule also addresses long-term milk and whole grain standards; proposes a variety of changes to school meal requirements; addresses proposals from a prior rulemaking; and makes several technical corrections to child nutrition program regulations. USDA expects to issue a final rule in time for schools to plan for school year 2024-25.
USDA welcomes feedback on the proposed standards. Interested parties can submit written comments from Feb. 7, 2023 through April 10, 2023. Comments related to this proposed rule may be submitted in writing by one of the following methods:
- Online (preferred): Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
- Mail: Send comments to School Meals Policy Division, Food and Nutrition Service, P.O. Box 9233, Reston, Virginia, 20195
Use of Donated Foods in Alaska Child Nutrition Programs
USDA and the State of Alaska encourage the use of traditional foods in the Alaska Child Nutrition Programs. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Department of Fish and Game (F&G), and the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) have worked together to ensure donated foods can be used in the Child Nutrition Programs. Updated information from DEC, F&G, and DEED on the Use of Donated Foods in Alaska Child Nutrition Programs can be found on the CNP Webpage.
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