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:
SFSP 02-2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023: Effect on Child Nutrition Programs – This policy memo informs program operators of the sections in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 enacted on Dec. 29, 2022 that affect Child Nutrition Programs.
SFSP 03-2023 Guidance on Performance Standards, Budgets, and Management Plans in the Summer Food Service Program – This policy memo provides guidance for state agencies and program operators on aspects of the final rule that aligned the SFSP with other child nutrition programs: performance standards, budgets, and management plans.
Please continue to monitor the CNPWeb for any policy memos, additional information, or program guidance at the Child Nutrition Programs website.
Additional Topics
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.
eLearning
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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: On October 1, 2022, the USDA codified changes to SFSP regulations that 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.
Because DEED-Child Nutrition Programs is still receiving up-to-the minute guidance from USDA regarding the most recent changes, the SFSP modules on the eLearning platform are not current. All updates will be discussed during the 2023 online training.
Once you have completed all required SFSP trainings, please submit all 2023 eLearning certificates and an email certification to jennifer.cherian@alaska.gov with the following statement:
"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.
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SFSP 2023 Application Deadline: May 1, 2023
The CNPWeb is open for 2023 SFSP applications. For sponsors with end of school year/May start dates, DEED/CNP requests that sponsors submit completed applications with supporting documentation by May 1, 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.
SAM.GOV Registration Change
Effective immediately, sponsors are no longer required to have a current SAM.gov registration to participate and receive payment for child nutrition, TEFAP, or other USDA reimbursements made through the state.
All sponsors must have a UEI number, but do not need to renew and maintain an active SAM.gov registration.
We have confirmed that all currently active sponsors meet this requirement, so no action is required on your part.
New sponsors and sponsors that have not been active yet in FY2023 must obtain a UEI number if they do not already have one and provide proof of registration, such as a screenshot of the registration page displaying your name and UEI number.
This change is only applicable for reimbursements made through the state for child nutrition/FNS programs. If you receive Federal funds directly, you must have an active SAM.gov registration. If you participate in other Federal grants, you should check with the grantor to ensure you comply with their requirements.
See attached policy memo for more details.
(Updated) Permanent Agreement
It's important to complete the updated Permanent Agreement. Please download the attached Permanent Agreement and upon completion, please submit it to jennifer.cherian@alaska.gov .
Chicken from China
Included in policy memo SFSP 02-2023 is a notice that program funds may not be used to procure raw or processed poultry products from the People’s Republic of China. Alaska CNP issues the following guidance for program operators:
- Program sponsors should update procurement procedures with Prohibition on the Use of Chicken from China.
- Program sponsors should amend their current Distributor or Vendor contract and include a provision in all new contracts on the prohibition of all raw or processed poultry products that are from the People’s Republic of China.
- Program sponsors should require the Distributor or Vendor to provide the point of origin for all raw or processed poultry products.
- Program sponsors should verify at the time of delivery that all raw or processed poultry products are not from the People’s Republic of China.
- Program sponsors should track point of origin of all raw or processed poultry products for review by the State agency.
- State Agency will review on-hand products for point of origin during the administrative review.
Proposed Updates to School Nutrition Standards
USDA is still welcoming feedback on the proposed 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). Interested parties can submit written comments 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
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