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.
Please continue to monitor the CNPWeb for any policy memos, additional information, or program guidance at the Child Nutrition Programs website.
Additional Topics
Be Label Smart
Use the Nutrition Facts label and ingredients list to compare food terms and choose those that are lower in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.
 Offering 2 ounces of grilled skinless chicken breast instead of 2 ounces of beef bologna can save 7 grams of saturated fat and 534 milligrams of sodium (salt). These types of simple switches help kids have eating patterns that support healthy hearts.
Serving Quality SFSP Meals
Quality meals that attract children to the SFSP site can be served within the reimbursement rate. In fact, serving high quality meals may improve a sponsor’s financial condition by increasing and stabilizing attendance. Higher attendance leads to lower unit costs. Sponsors can improve the quality of meals in several ways:
• Serve as many creditable food items as possible;
• Balance meals in terms of color, flavor, shape, and texture of foods selected for each component;
• Create meals that appeal to the senses (sight, taste, touch, smell);
• Consider the ethnic, cultural and religious background of the children being served and plan meals that are acceptable and appropriate for them;
• Team up with farmers to serve fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Use commodities to increase variety of foods served at low cost;
• Reduce levels of saturated and trans fats, sugar, and salt; and
• Choose foods that are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
For more ideas, please visit the Summer Meals Webinars webpage where you can view webcasts and videos on how you can become a SFSP site, sponsor, or advocate or to enhance your existing activities.
Resources
This Summer, Eat Smart to Play Hard: A Parent’s Guide is a 6-page color brochure that schools and community groups can distribute to parents to increase awareness of the importance of healthy food choices and physical activity during the summer months. The guide encourages families to choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages, choose more fruits and vegetables, increase physical activity, and decrease screen time. The guide also contains a tasty summer-themed recipe and encourages families to engage in a healthy and fun “family challenge.”
Looking for a fun at-home activity to do with young kids this summer? Get them cooking with these Look and Cook Recipes from Discover MyPlate! Watch this video for instructions. Try all five recipes!
Reminders
Did you operate in May and June? Don't forget to enter your SFSP claim into CNP Web, and remember to check the certification statement on the claim to put it into Pending Approval status.
Please submit the claim within the 30-Day Claim Submission Date (you can refer to the attached 2023 Claim Calendar). The final claim will not be accepted if it is not in the Pending Approval status by the 60-Day Claim Deadline. Upward amended claims may be submitted throughout the 60-day period but no later than the 60-Day Deadline.
|
|
