Nutrition Program Bulletin – Week of May 4, 2020
Each section contains updates relevant to those nutrition programs. You can jump to the section you're interested in by clicking the link.
The Nutrition Program Bulletin will be sent each Wednesday for the foreseeable future. Special bulletins will be sent, as necessary. You may view archived bulletins on the MDE website.
Minnesota School Lunch Hero Day
This is so good, it’s worthy of a second showing!
Governor Walz declared last Friday (May 1, 2020) Minnesota School Lunch Hero Day! The Governor's Proclamation declares and recognizes the valuable work that school nutrition professionals do all year long and especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. All nutrition staff have shown their dedication by stepping up to the plate and providing outstanding meals to Minnesota children during very stressful circumstances. By being deemed “essential,” you have provided over 6 million meals since March 18.
From all of us at MDE, thank you for your tireless efforts to keep kids fed. Your work makes a difference! Enjoy two short videos to show our appreciation today and every day. They showcase the amazing work you do and express our heartfelt thanks.
Minnesota School Lunch Heroes video
MDE Thank You video
Food Service Management Contract Extension for National School Lunch Program and Summer Food Service Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently released a nationwide waiver allowing school food authorities (SFA) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors to extend existing food service management company (FSMC) contracts not otherwise eligible for extension through school year (SY) 2020-21 or June 30, 2021. Emergency noncompetitive procurement may be used to negotiate a one-year FSMC extension or new contract for SY 2020-21. Contracts resulting from noncompetitive proposals will not be allowed renewal options. For more information, please see the Nationwide Waiver of Food Service Management Contract Duration in the National School Lunch Program and Summer Food Service Program.
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Deadline Extension for Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently released a nationwide waiver extending the deadline for the first triennial assessment for local school wellness policies from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Local educational agencies (LEA) choosing to utilize this extension would submit their second triennial assessment by June 30, 2024. For more information, please review the Nationwide Waiver of Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessments in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
School Nutrition COVID-19 Webinar
Weekly webinars will be held on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. to update school nutrition program staff on issues related to COVID-19. Select the link below to register for the May 12 webinar.
Register for School Nutrition COVID-19 Update 5-12-2020
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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Announces Request for Proposals
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Prevention of Wasted Food and Food Rescue Grants. These grants will provide financial assistance for programs that can help prevent food from being wasted and/or promote food rescue that redirects unused food to people who need it. Composting and food-to-animal programs are not eligible for this grant funding. Approximately $500,000 is available with the minimum award of $75,000. A 25 percent match is required. The application deadline is 4 p.m. on June 12, 2020.
Eligible applicants include Minnesota not-for-profit organizations, businesses, institutions, political subdivisions of the state, State agencies, and tribal governments. Multi-organizational collaboration is encouraged. See the RFP for full details on eligibility, grant match amounts, and other information that will help you submit a proposal. To learn more and to apply, go to the MPCA’s Prevention of wasted food and food rescue grants webpage.
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