Reminder: Office Closed Monday

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) will be closed Monday, September 2, 2024, to observe Labor Day.

Farm to School and Early Care Grant Applications Are Open

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened the application window for Farm to School and Early Care grant opportunities for fiscal year 2025. These grants support Minnesota school districts and early care providers—both centers and family daycare providers—that want to buy and serve Minnesota grown and raised foods. The deadline to apply is October 24, 2024. For more information, visit the Farm to School and Early Care grant website.

Guidance Retraction for Faith-Based Organization Final Rule

On July 31, 2024, MDE sent out initial guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the final rule entitled, Partnerships with Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations. This message is to inform you that USDA is retracting its Notice to Beneficiaries and Prospective Beneficiaries guidance/material for religious schools and institutions. As appropriate, we will send you USDA’s forthcoming clarification of this guidance/material once it is available.

Family Day Care Home Sponsor Monitoring Waiver Extension Request

MDE is submitting a request for USDA to extend the existing waiver that allows some of the required sponsor monitoring of family day care homes to be performed offsite. Updates on this request will be provided as they are available.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) Annual Training for Approved Sponsors

Prior to the beginning of a new school year, staff directly responsible for the FFVP operations must complete required annual FFVP training. A webinar will be held to provide an overview of FFVP, implementation plans and expectations for participating schools, as well as funding, budgeting and allowable reimbursement costs. Register for the Thursday, September 5 webinar.

• If your school was awarded an FFVP grant for School Year (SY) 2024–25 and staff have not yet completed required training, plan to attend this FFVP overview webinar. If your school already completed FFVP annual training and submitted your certificate to MDE, attendance at this webinar is optional.

• Annual FFVP training certificates should be emailed to mde.ffvp@state.mn.us.
  
  

New Videos Featuring Minnesota Harvest of the Month Foods

Get inspired to use Minnesota Harvest of the Month foods on your menu this year by watching new videos that highlight ways to prepare local squash, tomatoes, beans and melons. In the videos, Chef Travis Pearce demonstrates easy ways to prepare and serve these items. View the Minnesota Harvest of the Month Foods videos, which are part of MDE’s Team Nutrition program.

Webinar Opportunity: Reducing Added Sugars in School Meals

USDA’s Team Nutrition Initiative will present a Meal Talk webinar on Reducing Added Sugars in School Meals to meet the Final Rule: Child Nutrition Programs Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Register for the Thursday, September 12 webinar.

The webinar will be recorded and made available on the Team Nutrition website. All who register will receive an email when the recording is available.

Health Inspection Reimbursement for School Food Authorities (SFA)

SFAs can request reimbursement for the cost of the second health inspection conducted at schools that are approved to participate in SFSP during the current year. Submit requests using the Reimbursement for Health Inspection Funds form by September 1, 2024.

Last Chance for Turnip the Beet Award 2024

A reminder for sponsors of the Summer Meal Program to complete the Turnip the Beet application form and submit a photo and one-month sample summer menu. Turnip the Beet recognizes the sponsors who serve high quality meals that are appetizing, appealing and nutritious. Submit your entry to Jayme Anderson by August 30, 2024. For more details, view the Turnip the Beet resource on the SFSP webpage or the Farm to School webpage.