Nutrition Program Bulletin – Week of April 13, 2020

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Nutrition Program Bulletin – Week of April 13, 2020

Each section contains updates relevant to those nutrition programs. You can jump to the section you're interested in by clicking the link.


All Nutrition Programs

Late Claim Waiver

USDA issued a Nationwide Waiver of 60-Day Reporting Requirements for January and February 2020. This waiver extends the 60-day claiming deadline for the months of January and February 2020 for an additional 30 days to 90 days. USDA encourages sponsoring organizations to continue submitting claims within 60 days whenever waiver flexibility is not necessary. If you have not submitted one or more claims foJanuary 2020complete a late claim request form. You will need all of your January numbers to complete this form. Submit a different form for each site. The last day to submit January missed claims through this survey is April 30, 2020. You may submit February claims in CLiCS through April 29, 2020. Late February claims may be submitted using the link above from April 30 to May 29, 2020. 

 

U.S. Department of Agriculture COVID-19 Question and Answer Memos

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently released a variety of memos including questions and answers to provide clarification around operating, monitoring and reporting on child nutrition programs during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. Please note that while two of the memos are specifically titled for school nutrition programs, they contain information on the Child and Adult Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program. For more information, please review the following memos: 

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School Nutrition Programs

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program During COVID-19

This memo includes questions and answers on the operation of, and flexibilities for, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program (FFVP) during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. Please read Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program during COVID-19 for more information. 

 

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Waiver

The COVID-19 public health emergency has created unprecedented hardship across Minnesota. In an effort to alleviate some of the burden for those currently participating in the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has submitted a request to waive the requirement that elementary children must be present to receive the fresh fruit or vegetable snack. Once the waiver is approved, parents or guardians will be allowed to pick up the fresh fruit or vegetable snack for their child. The USDA is fast-tracking these waiver requests, so we expect to have more information for you soon. If you have any further questions, please email mde.fns@state.mn.us.

 

School Nutrition COVID-19 Webinar Updates  

Until further notice, weekly webinars will continue to be held on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. to update school nutrition program staff on issues related to COVID-19. In addition, we are making plans to include other relevant foodservice operation topics in preparation for school year 2020-21.  

COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Funding 

Calling all principals, school nutrition managers, school nutrition directors and district superintendents! GENYOUth is providing grants of up to $3,000 per school to supply resources for meal distribution and delivery efforts to get food to students during COVID-19. From soft-sided coolers, bags and containers for individual servings, to protective gear for food service sanitation and safety, this equipment will help ensure our children continue to receive the nutritious meals they need. Learn more about GENYOUth’s COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Funding.

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Opportunities from Our Partners

COVID-19 Resources for Relief and Response Efforts 

CenterPoint Energy Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund 

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation has created a COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will contribute $1.5 million to nonprofit organizations, agencies, and causes that are committed to supporting those who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. 

Qualifying applicants for this fund will be nonprofit organizations who are responding to the COVID-19 crisis and supporting vulnerable and at-risk populations. Visit the CenterPoint Energy website to learn more and apply. 

 

NDN Collective’s COVID-19 Response Project 

The NDN Collective’s COVID-19 Response Project aims to distribute resources to frontline organizations, Tribes, and individuals providing essential services to Indigenous communities. Grants are available to support a variety of essential services and relief efforts, including food delivery. Visit the NDN Collective website to learn more and apply. 

 

Greater Twin Cities COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund 

Greater Twin Cities COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund will address immediate needs and support recovery in the longer-term. Current funding is directed at supporting nonprofit organizations and partnerships expanding current services, and/or finding new and creative ways to carry out services and support their clients’ emergency needs. Applications for funds will close on April 22, 2020, at 5 p.m. Visit the website to learn more and apply. 

 

Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund for Coronavirus 

The Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund (MDRF) was created to support community needs as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible organizations are community intermediaries, such as local community foundations, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, Tribal Nations, and other intermediaries with knowledge of specific needs in their communities. Funds will be awarded on an ongoing basis. Proposals will be reviewed weekly. Read more information about the MDRF. 

 

Emergency Meals-To-You 

The Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty works with school districts and state agencies across the United States to ensure students have the nutritious meals they need during the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible school districts must participate in the National School Lunch Program, have at least 50 percent of enrollment eligible for free or reduced-priced meals, have a school closure of at least four weeks, and be located in a rural area. Read more information about the Meals-To-You program. 

 

Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program 

Nonprofits with less than 500 employees qualify for this new Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides potentially forgivable loans for nonprofits at 2.5 times your average monthly payroll for up to $10 million. Nonprofits apply through their bank. If interested, reach out to your nonprofit’s bank as soon as possible.  

 

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Resources 

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