Nutrition Program Bulletin – Week of November 23, 2020
Each section contains updates relevant to those nutrition programs. You can jump to the section by clicking the link.
Happy Thanksgiving!
We are grateful for everything you do and thankful you are able to provide healthy meals for Minnesota’s children, youth and older adults.
Offices Closed
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, 2020.
Thanksgiving Holiday Payment Processing
Child Nutrition Program payments for claims submitted the week of November 16-20, 2020, will be issued and/or deposited on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, ahead of MDE closing. Please note that claims submitted during the week of November 23-27 will be processed on Friday, November 27, and paid per the usual schedule.
If you have any questions about this information, contact MDE.FNS@state.mn.us.
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Waiver Request
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has received an overwhelming number of SFSP applications for this school year. To assist staff with this increased workload, MDE is requesting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waive the requirements that MDE respond to incomplete applications within 15 days and approve or deny completed applications within 30 days of receipt. Updates on this request will be provided in future bulletins.
Back to top
Updated Guidance: CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals/Snacks and CACFP Non-Congregate Meals
MDE received updated guidance from USDA on claiming At-Risk Afterschool Meals/Snacks and CACFP non-congregate meals/snacks. This guidance differs from previous guidance, so please read carefully. Sponsors are expected to comply with the most current guidance.
-
At-Risk Afterschool Meals/Snacks: For children on-site, only meals/snacks served after the child’s school day may be claimed for reimbursement under CACFP At-Risk. Schools that operate virtually are considered to be in session through the duration of the virtual school day. Meals served during the child’s school day (virtual or in-person) cannot be claimed under At-Risk.
-
Non-Congregate Meals for CACFP: Non-congregate CACFP meals may only be claimed for reimbursement when the following conditions are met:
- The site is licensed to provide care on the day(s) in which the meals are provided; and
- The infant/child is enrolled to attend care on the day(s) in which the meals are provided (Example: If a child is enrolled in care for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only, then the center may only claim non-congregate meals that are provided to that child for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
Back to top
Processor Truck Cancellations
Due to low usage and high inventory levels nationwide, USDA and processors requested the cancellation of unpurchased trucks at the national level. This will reduce the allocation for sponsors at those processors. Sponsors should email fns.fdp@state.mn.us if their balance of pounds at processors cannot be utilized this year so that pounds may be reallocated.
Back to top
Important Message – Verification Reporting
Access to the Cyber-Linked Interactive Child Nutrition System (CLiCS) verification reporting system has been temporarily suspended so that MDE can complete cross program analysis of the system. Please continue the verification process as it is an important aspect of program integrity monitoring. You will be notified of verification reporting requirements when the system analysis is complete.
All other features of CLiCS are open and operating as usual.
Tuesdays @ 2 Webinars
Join school nutrition staff for the upcoming training webinars every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Read session descriptions and register for Tuesdays @ 2 webinars.
- School Year 2020-21: What’s Working, What’s Not? (December 1, 2020)
- On-Site Monitoring for Child Nutrition Programs (December 8, 2020)
- Mid-year Dialogue with Deb (December 15, 2020)
- COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for School Food Service (December 22, 2020)
Back to top
Grant Opportunity to Increase Food Security among Young Children
No Kid Hungry is offering grants for community organizations, early child care centers, healthcare providers and others working to ensure vulnerable children (birth to five years old) have access to healthy food. Grants amounts will be between $15,000-$25,000 and applications are due on December 18, 2020. A webinar will be held on December 3, from 1 to 3 p.m., via Zoom to answer questions. More information is available on the No Kid Hungry website.
Back to top
Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | FNS Bulletin Archive | Website
|
