Weekly School Nutrition Newsletter

Indiana Department of Education sent this bulletin at 04/26/2018 03:43 PM EDT

4/26/2018

Dear Food Service Contact,

This email provides the most up-to-date news for schools about the Child Nutrition Programs from USDA and the State. If you are the food service contact for your school or corporation, it is your responsibility to relay important information provided to you about the Child Nutrition Programs to other staff members.

Update! SY 2018-2019 Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Requirements

  • There have been recent changes to the PLE requirement for School Year (SY) 2018-2019 allowing many schools exemption from the PLE requirement.
  • Per USDA memo SP 12-2018 Paid Lunch Equity: Guidance for School Year 2018-2019 any SFA with a positive or zero balance in its nonprofit school food service account as of January 31, 2018, is exempt from PLE requirements for school year SY 2018-2019.
  • The school must complete a PLE Exemption form and submit it with supporting documentation.
  • Instructions for submission are included on the PLE Exemption form.
  • Please note, this exemption only applies to SY 2018-2019.
  • The revised PLE Tool for SY 2018-2019 is not yet available for schools not qualifying or not interested in applying for the PLE exemption.
  • We will continue to send PLE information when USDA releases it.
  • Questions? Contact cherzog@doe.in.gov. 

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) At-Risk Suppers

  • It’s not too early to start thinking about at-risk suppers on the CACFP for the next school year.
  • As a reminder, schools with a free and reduced rate of 50% or higher, offering an educational or enrichment activity open to all children could be eligible to operate a free supper program for its students. 
  • For more information, view the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Guide. 
  • Please contact Carol Markle (317-232-0873) or Rachel Reynolds (317-232-0851) to get the process started in time for the new school year to begin. 

Reminder! Upcoming Coffee Break Webinar Series

  • A new set of Coffee Break Webinars are scheduled for May. 
  • Topics include: 
  • Coffee Break Webinars last a maximum of 30 minutes. This is a quick and easy way to meet your Professional Standard Requirements. 
  • Can't attend the live session? Each webinar will be recorded and posted on inTEAM's Blackboard. 
  • To register, click on the date next to your preferred webinar or click here for a flyer with all scheduled webinars and registration links.
  • Questions? Email Maggie Schabel or call 317-232-2130.   

Additional Professional Standards Opportunity

  • The School Nutrition Association (SNA) hosts Webinar Wednesdays each week at 2:00 p.m. ET. 
  • Individuals are not required to be SNA Members in order to view the webinars. 
  • Upcoming topics include: 
    • Natural Disasters - Preparation and Impact
    • Emotional Intelligence: The Leadership Edge
    • Helpful Tips for Training Your Multigenerational Staff 
  • For more information and to register, click here. 

Missed a Weekly School Nutrition Newsletter? Click here to access previous newsletters!

Please do not reply directly to this email. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this email, please contact Allie Caito-Sipe at acaito@doe.in.gov, call (317)232-0849 or toll-free at 1-800-537-1142 ext. 20849. Or, contact Sarah Kenworthy at skenworthy@doe.in.gov, call (317)232-0857 or toll-free at 1-800-537-1142 ext. 20857.