Verification of Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications October 1 - November 15
Verification is the process by which schools confirm the eligibility of a sample of approved free and reduced-price meal applications. The verification process starts on October 1st and the deadline to collect household documentation and complete verification is November 15th. Schools will report the verification results and October eligibility data on the School Food Authority (SFA) Verification Collection Report in MAPS by November 30th. Please carefully read through the instructions to ensure reporting accuracy. Additional instructions can be found in the USDA’s Eligibility Manual.
Verification resources are available on the OPI SNP website:
USDA Foods
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The Crediting in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet series
The Crediting in the Child Nutrition Programs Tip Sheet [links-2.govdelivery.com] series is a seven-part series that is sure to provide all the information you want in a quick reference format ideal for any Child Nutrition Program operator. Now, the series reflects the changes with the Final Rule, “Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” [links-2.govdelivery.com] Provisions that require a gradual change are included with implementation dates to assist Program operators with future menu planning. There is a tip sheet for each of the five meal components including three for the Grains component, which cover whole grain-rich and Program-specific requirements. Each tip sheet has its own question-and-answer section. Whether you are a Program operator, State agency staff, or FNS Regional Office, these tip sheets are great for guidance and training.
Check out the series at https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/crediting-tip-sheets-child-nutrition-programs [links-2.govdelivery.com]. The entire tip sheet series will be available to order in print at a later date. Stay tuned!
The revised Whole Grain Resource for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs
The Whole Grain Resource for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs [gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] has been revised to reflect the Final Rule, “Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans [gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com].” It is a must-have resource for anyone involved in planning school meals. This important resource provides examples of various grain products often served in schools and walks through the process of determining whether products are whole grain-rich, creditable as enriched, or not creditable.
Farm to School enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and education settings. Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons, and farm field trips. Help us celebrate Farm to School Month!
Farm to School Month resources https://www.farmtoschool.org/
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Join Montana Crunch Time on October 8!
School nutrition professionals,
Registration for Montana Crunch Time is open! This is a great opportunity to include a local food in a taste test or meal this October. Local foods can be found on this Abundant Montana map [abundantmontana.com].
Get ready to win the Crunch Off, Montana! Registration is officially open for Montana Crunch Time, a free statewide event to celebrate National Farm to School Month by Crunching into local foods on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Crunch into Montana-grown or raised foods including produce, lentils, chickpeas, beef, and more! 🍎🥕🫛
To join in and make your Crunch count, register HERE [montana.qualtrics.com]. After registering, you will be sent a 2024 edition of the MT Crunch Time Guide including sources of local foods, educational activities, recipes, how to promote your crunch, and more! The guide will be sent to registrants this fall.
Learn more about the Crunch and find resources on the Montana Farm to School website and informational flyers attached and in this Google Drive folder. For questions, contact Haley Scott, Montana Team Nutrition, at (406) 994-5641 or Haley.scott1@montana.edu
#MTCrunchTime #MTFarmToSchool
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The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves nearly 30 million children every school day. President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week (NSLW) in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom.
#NSLW24 will be celebrated October 14-18, 2024.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Spanish-language NDS
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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