New Videos: Say Yes! to School Meals 

In celebration of National School Lunch Week, Minnesota (MN) Team Nutrition would like to showcase five new videos that recognize the extraordinary contributions of SNPs in MN. Check out the Say Yes! to School Meals videos and be inspired by staff and students at Brooklyn Center Community Schools, Nay Ah Shing School District, Little Canada Elementary, Twin Cities International School and Highwood Hills Elementary.

Spanish Offer Versus Serve (OVS) Materials Now Available 

The Spanish OVS materials for SNPs, including five posters and two tip sheets, are now available. These tools help students more quickly select reimbursable meals in the breakfast and lunch lines and provide guidance for school nutrition professionals for breakfast and lunch meal service. While the students and staff at local School Food Authorities (SFAs) comprise the target audience, state agencies and Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Regional Offices may want to use these resources to provide training. 

Ahora Disponible: Materiales en Español de Ofrecer Versus Servir 

Ya están disponibles en línea los materiales en español de Ofrecer versus Servir (OVS, por sus siglas en inglés) para los programas de nutrición escolar. Los materiales incluyen cinco afiches y dos hojas de consejos. Estas herramientas ayudan a los estudiantes a seleccionar comidas reembolsables en las líneas de desayuno y almuerzo con más rapidez y proporcionan orientación a los profesionales de la nutrición escolar sobre el servicio de comidas en el desayuno y el almuerzo. Cabe mencionar que, aunque los estudiantes y el personal de las autoridades de comida escolar locales son el grupo principal al que estas herramientas están dirigidas, las agencias estatales y las oficinas regionales del FNS también pueden utilizar estos recursos para proporcionar capacitación.

Wellness Policy in Action Tool (WPAT) 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires all SFAs to complete a triennial assessment of their local wellness policy every three years. This assessment must evaluate the following: 

Team Nutrition Engagement Grant Funding Available 

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) makes Team Nutrition Engagement Grants available to SFAs for the purpose to enhance school nutrition programs and wellness opportunities for students and families. Awarded schools will receive up to $5,000 and will complete three required activities: (1) host at least one family engagement night, (2) purchase small foodservice operation supplies/equipment to enhance school meal menu options and (3) host the University of Minnesota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Educators in two classrooms of grades 3-5. 

To be eligible for this grant opportunity, a school must: 

• Participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
• Be located in Minnesota.
• Serve elementary grades. 

• Serve a student population in which at least 50% are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. 

Applications are due November 9, 2023, at 5 p.m. Additional details, including application materials, will be posted on MDE’s competitive grants site.

Minnesota Grown Farm to School District of the Year Contest 

Apply to be the MN Grown Farm to School District of the Year. This new contest seeks to recognize school districts for all they do to buy, serve and promote foods from Minnesota farmers and producers. All districts are encouraged to apply. Find details on the MN Grown website. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, at 4 p.m.