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Notice of Bulletin Changes: Going forward, we will be sending this Nutrition Program Bulletin (formerly called the listserv) twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. This new schedule aims to keep you regularly informed with timely and important program updates, without overwhelming your inbox. We will also send special bulletins for time-sensitive or urgent updates as needed.
Answer two questions about other changes you would like to see to the Bulletin.
Each section contains updates relevant to those nutrition programs. You can jump to the section you're interested in by clicking the link.
Federal Shutdown Update and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much meal reimbursement funding is currently available?
A: USDA released meal payment funding to all states for the first and second quarter of the 2019 federal fiscal year. This means there is federal funding to support activity (meals served to students) into March 2019. State reimbursement for meals served is not affected.
Q: How does the recent opening of the federal government and the three week timeframe impact funding for child nutrition programs?
A: Congress has three weeks to reach a resolution with the President. If there is no resolution, the shutdown could start again.
Q: How are the new governor and the commissioner of education dealing with issues related to the partial federal government shutdown?
A: Governor Walz, through the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), is keeping a close watch on all state agencies and programs impacted by the federal partial shutdown
Team Nutrition CACFP Organization Network
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service invites sponsoring organizations and independent child care centers in the Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP) to join the Team Nutrition CACFP Organization Network. Joining the network shows a commitment to nutrition and wellness in child care and adult day care settings. Organizations in the network will have the opportunity to request special promotional items, including new nutrition message decals, stickers and more. Join the Team Nutrition CACFP Organization Network
Upcoming CACFP Training Opportunities
All training opportunities are listed on the Child and Adult Care Food Program’s training webpage.
CACFP Basic Training
- 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.
Join the Team Nutrition Schools Network
USDA Team Nutrition invites schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to visit the new and improved Team Nutrition Schools Network website. Members of the network enjoy access to free nutrition education resources and promotional items, networking opportunities, and more. View the new Team Nutrition Schools Network page.
Upcoming School Nutrition Program Training Opportunities
All training opportunities are listed on the School Nutrition's Training and Professional Standards webpage.
Tuesdays @ 2 Webinars
- Managing Special Diets (February 5, 2019, at 2 p.m.)
- Co-Ops, GPO's, Purchasing Agents, Oh My! (February 12, 2019 at 2 p.m.)
- Ready, Set, Survey (February 19, 2019 at 2 p.m.)
Access further information and registration for Tuesdays @ 2 webinars.
Commodity Expo 2019
When: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 from 8:00 AM – 1:00PM
Where: St. Cloud Civic Center, 10 – 4th Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
All Minnesota school meals program operators are invited to learn about USDA commodity food products at this free event. Distributors, processors and other food service personnel will be providing samples, menu ideas, and recipes. Only commodity food items that have been approved for the 2019-20 school year will be displayed.
Please also join representatives from the Minnesota Department of Education, who will be presenting a USDA Foods Update at 8:30 AM in the Wilson Room.
Continuing Education clock hours will be available. No registration is necessary. This event is sponsored by the School Nutrition Directors of Minnesota. For more information contact Barb Schank.
Schoolyard Garden and Garden to Plate Food Conferences
Schoolyard Garden Conference – Friday, March 1, 2019, 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Schoolyard gardens provide an incomparable, hands-on opportunity to learn how to meet academic standards, engage with community partners, learn about agriculture, healthy eating and cultural competency, and connect with natural systems. Whether you are a schoolyard garden novice or veteran, come learn innovative strategies for building, sustaining, and engaging diverse learners in a thriving schoolyard garden at your school or early care and education center.
Garden to Plate Food Conference (NEW THIS YEAR)– Saturday, March 2, 2019, 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Many Minnesotans are growing food for their schools and communities. While incredibly beneficial, these food gardens take significant work! With sparse staff time and limited resources, how do you ensure maximum production of safe food for your efforts? This conference will bring together the latest research and best practices to ensure Minnesota community food growers bring a bounty of safe produce to their schools and communities. Sessions include: food safety, nutrition, horticultural best practices, improving your yield, harvest safety, legal restrictions, and community engagement.
Register for the Schoolyard Garden Conference.
Register for the Garden to Plate Food Conference.
Register for both conferences and receive a discount.
National Dairy Council Webinar Series
The National Dairy Council (NDC) is launching a Dairy Nourishes Life webinar series for health and wellness professionals.
The inaugural webinar on February 7 is titled Dairy’s Role in Health and Sustainable Food Systems. It features Frank Mitloehner, PhD from University of California Davis, who will be presenting alongside NDC’s Katie Brown and Juan Tricarico. Register for the webinar.
Healthy Children Healthy Nations Fund
The Healthy Children Healthy Nations (HCHN) Fund is now accepting applications to support innovation and expansion of early childhood development and childhood nutrition programs in Minnesota’s native communities. To learn more and apply, visit HCHN Fund’s website.
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