New U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Order Receipt System (FFAVORS) User Requirement

Starting in September 2024, School Food Authorities (SFAs) will be required to use Login.gov to log in to FFAVORS when accessing their FDP DoD Fresh information. This is important because schools must regularly receipt their DoD Fresh deliveries in FFAVORS.

• Sponsor eAuth accounts will be disabled by the end of September.

• After September 30, 2024, SFAs will no longer be able to access FFAVORS without a Login.gov account.

• Switch to Login.gov as soon as possible.

• Contact the FFAVORS Helpdesk if you are having trouble logging into FFAVORS using your Login.gov account.

Afterschool Snack Program Monitoring Reminder

All schools that operate the Afterschool Snack Program must complete an on-site review at each participating site twice during the school year to assess compliance with program requirements. The first review must be completed within the first four weeks of operation. The second review can take place any time during the remainder of the program year. A template On-Site Review Form is available on the Afterschool Snack Program webpage.

New and Updated Manual Meal Counting Resources

New and updated meal counting and claiming resources for SFAs using manual systems are now available on MDE’s Meal Counting and Claiming webpage. Use the Excel templates when possible. However, Excel formulas may not function properly outside of the Excel program. For SFAs using a point of service computer software, meal count and edit check reports generated from that system are sufficient.

Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Equipment Grant

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) FY23 Equipment Grant application will be posted soon on the MDE Competitive Grant Opportunities webpage. The purpose of this grant is for SFAs in the NSLP in Minnesota to purchase new equipment needed to serve healthier meals; improve food safety or help support the establishment, maintenance or expansion of the School Breakfast Program. Approximately $364,646 of NSLP FY23 Equipment Grant funding is available. SFAs may apply for funding for one piece of equipment with a maximum award amount of $25,000. The Question and Answer period closes on October 21, 2024. FY23 NSLP Equipment Grant applications are due by November 8, 2024.

Ramadan Waiver Request

MDE is requesting a waiver from USDA to allow schools to provide non-congregate meals to students participating in fasting during Ramadan. These meals are intended to be sent home with students at the end of the school day for consumption during non-fasting hours. Flexibilities, which will require prior approval from MDE, include:

• Non-congregate meal service;

• Waiver of meal service times and

• Waiver of offer versus serve requirements.

Updates on this waiver request will be provided in future bulletins.

School Year (SY) 2024–25 Verification Key Dates

Verification time of year is here! Please take time to review the verification process resources available on MDE’s Verification webpage and the Verification Training module available on the Training and Professional Standards webpage. Here is a summary of the key dates and tasks in the verification process:

September 30 – Ensure all direct certification files have been processed. Note: Directly certified students are not included in the verification pool.

October 1 – Determine the verification sample from the active approved applications.

October 31 – Determine the number of free and reduced-price eligible students through direct certification and applications.

November 15 – All verification activities must be completed.

December 2 – Verification Report deadline. All SFAs must submit a report in The Cyber-Linked Interactive Child Nutrition System (CLiCS).

Unanticipated School Closure Waiver Request

MDE is requesting a waiver from USDA to allow schools to provide meals and snacks to students in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) during an unanticipated school closure. Use of this waiver would only be available when no virtual learning is taking place. Flexibilities, which require prior approval from MDE, include:

• Non-congregate meal service;

• Waiver of meal service times;

• Parent/guardian meal pickup and

• Allowing reimbursement for meals service prior to notification of SFSP approval.

Updates on this waiver request will be provided in future bulletins.

Updated USDA Resource

The Crediting in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet series was updated by USDA to reflect the changes with the Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020–25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The English version was previously shared in September, and now the Spanish version is available. Access the English version and the Spanish version.

Whole Grain Resource for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Programs (SBP)

USDA’s Whole Grain Resource for the NSLPs and SBPs was revised to reflect the Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020–25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This resource provides information on how to identify and offer foods that meet the whole grain-rich criteria for the NSLPs and SBPs and to assist in implementation of the meal pattern requirements for grains. The Spanish-translated version will be available soon.