Feeding Kids When Schools are Closed Due to COVID-19

With many school systems closed to help limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to make sure no child goes hungry. Our Department has issued waivers in all 50 States and the territories, allowing for flexibilities in our programs that make it easier for States and local partners to serve children. Learn more at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource-files/Feeding_Kids_When_Schools_Are_Closed.pdf.    

Meal Service During COVID-19: Best Practices for Parent Pick-Up

Given the current health crisis, USDA has issued a nationwide waiver that allows local Child Nutrition Program operators to distribute meals and snacks to parents and guardians to give to their eligible child. Get tips and suggestions for grab n’ go sites that allow parent pick up of meals at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource-files/Parent_Pickup.pdf.

USDA Extends Application Deadline for Team Nutrition Training Grant for School Meal Recipe Development

USDA has extended the deadline to apply for a Team Nutrition Training Grant for School Meal Recipe Development. State agencies that administer the School Meals programs have until May 27, 2020 to submit their applications through Grants.gov.

Professional Development Opportunities

• In lieu of in-person training, the Institute of Child Nutrition is currently offering a series of virtual instructor-led food safety trainings. Registration is open at: https://theicn.docebosaas.com/learn?ctl0=category_id-4.
• The Institute of Child Nutrition also provides an eLearning Portal with 65 online courses and 12 recorded webinars for Child Nutrition Professionals.  Access them at: https://theicn.docebosaas.com/learn.

Online Resources

• Get food safety tools, posters, and graphics on Team Nutrition's Handwashing and Cleaning Resources webpage.
• Support distance learning with these Digital Nutrition Resources for Kids from Team Nutrition.
• Share your Child Nutrition Program resources and materials with other States via the Child Nutrition Sharing Site.
• Learn more about the Food and Nutrition Service Response to COVID-19.