Nutrition Program Bulletin – Week of May 6, 2024

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Nutrition Program Bulletin – Week of May 6, 2024

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

Connecting Children to Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Sites

Help children find SFSP sites by sharing the following resources with the children and families you serve:

Use these resources to find an SFSP site near you:

  • Download the Free Meals for Kids app provided by Hunger Impact Partners to your phone or device.
  • Call the 211 Hotline. From a cell phone – Twin Cities Metro Area: 651-291-0211, Greater Minnesota: 1-800-543-7709, teletypewriter (TTY): 651-291-8440.
  • Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151, available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Use the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) texting service. Text Summer Meals to 914-342-7744. Spanish speakers, text Verano to 914-342-7744.

Webinar for USDA Meal Pattern Updates

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is hosting a webinar to provide an overview of the Final Rule: Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns to be Consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and its impact to operators of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and SFSP.


School Nutrition Program (SNP)

List of Sponsors to Receive Administrative Review for School Year 2024–2025 (SY 2024–25) Available

The List of SNP sponsors to be Reviewed in 2024–25 has been posted to the MDE website. The School Food Authority (SFA) and Foodservice Contacts listed on the 2024 SNP application in The Cyber-Linked Interactive Child Nutrition System (CLiCS) have been contacted by email with more details. SFAs receiving a review in SY 2024–25 will receive additional information in early fall 2024. SFAs should prepare for their review now by reviewing the Action Guide to Prepare for the SNP Review. Specific attention should be paid to critical areas including ensuring meal counting and claiming procedures and systems and meal components and quantities meet regulatory requirements.

School Year 202425 Renewal Applications Available for Current Sponsors

The following SY 2024–25 CLiCS Sponsor and Site renewal applications are available:

  • SNP / Minnesota Free School Meals (MN-FSM)
  • Federal Special Milk Program (SMP)
  • Minnesota Kindergarten Milk Program (MKMP)

How to Apply:

Application Reminders:

  • Sponsors must ensure the email address and contact information on the sponsor and site application(s) are current and accurate.
  • CLiCS-generated email will be sent to first contact person listed on sponsor application when approved.
  • For questions, email the Applications Team or call 651-582-8526 or 1-800-366-8922 (Minnesota toll-free).
  • Please include CLiCS sponsor identification (ID) number in all correspondence.

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Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

SFSP Meal Claim Validation Guidance

USDA released a memo with guidance on meal claim validation in the SFSP. The memo contains a flow chart and example using the step-by-step process that State agencies must follow to validate SFSP sponsor meal claims. For more information, please review Meal Claim Validation in the SFSP.

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Upcoming Deadlines

Reminder: Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Application Deadline

CEP applications for SY 2024–25 are due by June 30, 2024.

  • MN-FSM Program requires schools with an Identified Student Percentage (ISP) ≥ (greater than or equal to) 62.5% to participate in CEP.
  • School Food Authorities (SFAs) and/or schools must have a minimum ISP of 25% as of April 1, 2024, to participate in CEP.
  • CEP application instructions are available on the MDE CEP webpage.
  • Contact cep.mde@state.mn.us with questions.

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department of education

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