Nutrition Program Updates for the Week of October 15, 2018

department of education

Nutrition Program Updates for the Week of October 15, 2018


Child and Adult Care Food Programs

 

Proposed Rule on CACFP Eligibility for For-Profit Centers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting written comments on a proposed rule for “Increasing Flexibility for Verification of For-Profit Center Eligibility in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.” If a for-profit center annually documents that at least 50 percent of participants are low income, based on Title XIX or XX benefits, the proposed rule would exempt the center from documenting that at least 25 percent of participants are low income on a monthly basis.

Comments are due by December 3, 2018, and may be submitted on the regulations.gov website.

 

Upcoming CACFP Training Opportunities

All training opportunities are listed on the Child and Adult Care Food Program’s training webpage.


CACFP Basic Training

  • December 4, 2018 (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) – Bemidji 
  • February 13, 2019 (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) – Rochester
  • April 17, 2019 (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) – Duluth

Access further information and registration for CACFP Basic Training.

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Food Distribution

 

New Department of Defense Fresh Produce Vendor for Minnesota

On October 8, 2018, the Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program officially awarded and signed the contract with H. Brooks and Company, New Brighton, Minn., as the new DoD fresh produce vendor for the state of Minnesota. H. Brooks and Company is replacing Bergin Fruit and Nut Company and will begin sponsor deliveries on Monday, November 12, 2018. Check the MDE website for updated information and frequently asked questions regarding the DoD program and our new partner. The DoD vendor change should be seamless and without interruption to sponsor delivery.

In preparation for the transition, sponsors will need to be aware of the following changes and order schedule:

  • October 21: Place orders for the delivery week of October 29 – November 2.
  • October 26: Place orders for the delivery week of November 5 – November 9. (These will be the last orders from the current vendor).
  • Beginning November 4: Submit orders with a requested delivery date the week of November 12
  • Effective November 4: Per order minimum fee is $150

Contact the Minnesota Department of Education's Food Distribution Team at 651-582-8526 or fns.fdp@state.mn.us.

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School Nutrition Programs

 

Upcoming School Nutrition Program Training Opportunities

All training opportunities are listed on the School Nutrition's Training and Professional Standards webpage.

 

Procurement Basics for Food Service Directors

Dates: October 18-19, 2018 (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)

Locations: Fergus Falls, Marshall, Mountain Iron, Roseville, Sartell, Thief River Falls

Access further information and registration for Procurement Basic for Food Service Directors.


Tuesdays @ 2 Webinars

  • Preschool Meal Pattern Options (October 23, 2018, at 2 p.m.)
  • Food Production records: A Very Helpful Tool (October 30, 2018, at 2 p.m.)
  • Verification Reporting (November 6, 2018, at 2 p.m.)

Access further information and registration for Tuesdays @ 2 webinars.

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Opportunities from Our Partners

 

Youth Garden Grant

Garden grants worth $500 to $2,100 are available from KidsGardening. Any nonprofit organization, public or private school, or youth program planning a new garden program or expanding an established one that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 3 and 18 is eligible to apply. Applications are due by December 17, 2018. For more information, visit Youth Garden Grant 2019.

 

Farm to School Grant

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 USDA Farm to School Grant Request for Applications (RFA) is available. Grants are designed to expand farm to school programs that improve access to local foods. Awards will be given up to $100,000 for Implementation Grants and $50,000 for Planning and Training Grants.

  • Eligible applicants: Schools and school districts, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, small and medium-sized agricultural producers or groups of small to medium-sized agricultural producers, and non-profit organizations.
  • Application deadline: December 4, 2018

USDA webinars will review grant details and walk candidates through the application process.

 

CACFP Thirty on Thursdays Webinar

USDA Team Nutrition hosts a free monthly webinar series that covers a variety of topics related to the CACFP Meal Pattern requirements. Information on upcoming webinars is posted on the USDA CACFP Halftime website. Certificates of participation will be provided.  

The next webinar is on Thursday, October 18, 2018 (Identifying Whole Grain-Rich Foods for the CACFP Using the Ingredient List)

 

Team Nutrition Webinar

USDA Team Nutrition hosts a free webinar on how local foods and nutrition education can be incorporated in early care and education sites, including those that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The webinar is on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

Register for “Celebrate Farm to School Month in Early Child Care and Education” webinar (1-2 p.m. in English).

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