Each section contains updates relevant to those nutrition programs. You can jump to the section you're interested in by clicking the link.
CACFP New Resources and Updates
The Special Diet Resource will answer your questions about accommodating special diets in all Child Nutrition Programs, including CACFP. As you work with children or adults with a disability that restricts their diets, you will want to reference this helpful resource. Consistent with the CACFP 14-2017 guidance memo (Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities in CACFP and SFSP), an individual at the site must be able to answer questions about special diets.
The Dietary Preference Request Form is a useful resource for you to use to document participant requests for a fluid milk substitute. It can also be used to document dietary requests to accommodate lifestyle preferences (e.g., requesting no beef and only chicken and fish).
Upcoming CACFP Training Opportunities
This CACFP in-person training provides an introduction to the CACFP program, and is great for new center staff. Upcoming training dates are:
- April 17, 2019 (8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) Duluth
- July 25, 2019 (8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) Roseville
Access further information and registration for CACFP Basic Training.
USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) Application Opens March 20
Applications for the FFVP will be open beginning March 20. Applications are due April 24, 2019, at 12 a.m. CT.
The award period is anticipated to be July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be an elementary school; and
- Currently participate in the National School Lunch Program; and
- Have at least 50 percent or more of its students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
Funding priority will be given to schools with the highest level of free and reduced-price eligibility. Data from the October 2018 Minnesota Automated Reporting Student System (MARSS) will be used to determine enrollment of free and reduced-price meal percentages. These numbers will be automatically calculated and uploaded into the Cyber-Linked Interactive Child Nutrition System (CLiCS) application.
Recipients of the FFVP will offer free fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options to elementary school students during the school day. This program creates heathier school environments by providing healthy food choices, expanding the variety of new fruits and vegetables students experience, and increasing students’ fruits and vegetables consumption. The program improves students’ diets and their present and future health.
The application instructions, supplemental documents, and more program details are available on the Minnesota Department of Education’s FFVP website.
School Food Authorities can begin their application by logging into the CLiCS website.
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 a Meal Contract (March 19, 2019, at 2 p.m.)
- Best Practices for Buy American (March 26, 2019, at 2 p.m.)
- UFARS and School Nutrition (April 2, 2019, at 2 p.m.)
Access further information and registration for Tuesdays @ 2 webinars.
21st CCLC – Cohort 8 Request for Proposals: Deadline April 19, 2019
Minnesota schools, districts, and community-based organizations are invited to apply for the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) – Cohort 8 grant. The purpose of the 21st CCLC grant is to support the creation or expansion of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for young people, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.
Participating as a 21st CCLC program is a great way to support student success through offering a broad array of enrichment activities and academic supports – including healthy meals and snacks that help young people develop lifelong healthy habits.
More information is available on the 21st CCLC website. Applications for 21st CCLC are due April 19, 2019. The application forms and instructions are available on the Grant Opportunity website. For more information, contact Eric Billiet by email only.
Seeds of Native Health Grant Opportunity for Nutrition and Health Policy Work
Seeds of Native Health has partnered with the American Heart Association to launch a $1.6 million funding initiative to support nutrition and health policy work in Native American communities. Grants ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 will be awarded through a competitive process to tribes and Native-led organizations to support innovative projects that improve nutrition and health policy systems at the tribal, local, state and national levels. For more information and to apply for the grant, visit Seeds of Native Health’s website.
Navigating the Food Buying Guide (FBG) Calculator Webinar
USDA FNS Team Nutrition is excited to demonstrate and provide in-depth practice for using the FBG Calculator on Wednesday, March 20.
This training provides an opportunity for all Child Nutrition Program operators to have an opportunity to create a shopping list. One hour CEU awarded toward CACFP Professionals Certification.
Register for the FBG Calculator webinar from 1 to 2 p.m. CT
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Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Halftime Webinar
Join Team Nutrition on Thursday, March 21, 2019, for the training webinar on “Identifying Whole Grain-Rich Foods in the CACFP, Part 2."
Register for the CACFP Halftime English webinar from 1 to 1:30 p.m. CT
Register for the CACFP Halftime Spanish webinar from 2 to 2:30 p.m. CT
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Resource for American Indian Traditional Foods in USDA School Meals
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recently released American Indian Traditional Foods in USDA School Meals Programs: A Wisconsin Farm to School Toolkit, available electronically on their Farm to School Traditional Foods webpage.
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