To help navigate program operations, we need your input.
Whether you are open or closed during this time, please take a moment to complete the survey below. The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Submit Your Responses Here
Every day your work helps feed the children of our state. Thank you for all you do, and all you have done in the past weeks since the COVID-19 outbreak began. There has been lots of information to process and decisions to make during this time. We would like to give the following reminders in case your operations may not look the way it previously had.
If your organization or a site closes, or if workers are not performing normal job functions, please consider the following:
- Does someone in your organization know who to contact with questions?
- Make your program specialist(s) name, email, and phone number available to those who may need it.
- OSPI Child Nutrition Services Main Office Phone: 360-725-6200
- How will you continue essential program operations, such as claiming?
- Does someone have access in WINS?
- Do you need to show someone how to submit claims?
- Adding and Removing WINS Users
- Reach out to your program specialist with questions.
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Is someone receiving and monitoring important CNS Communications?
- We recommend to have at least 2 people receiving updates.
- GovDelivery is used to share important information, to ensure someone is receiving important updates, they must be added to the communications list.
- If your organization is still operating, is someone signed up for the Weekly COVID-19 Webinar?
- Weekly webinars are held Tuesdays at 1:30 - 2:30pm PT – Register Here
- We use this time to answer your questions and share important updates about program operations during this time.
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Does someone know where to find commonly used webpages?
Thank you for all you do to serve the children of Washington. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your program specialist.
Child Care Aware Can Help You Find Food Supplies
Many communities are experiencing challenges with supplies of food and milk. This has caused purchasing limits which can make it hard for child care providers to get what they need. Examples of what you can find on the Child Care Aware site:
- Farms - The Washington State Department of Agriculture "Finding Farms" Resource Page is one way to locate local produce in your area.
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Food Banks - Food banks and pantries can be an important source for emergency food.
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Food Hubs - Food hubs can help schools and institutions find and buy from multiple farms at once, and provide distribution, invoicing, and other services for farms and buyers.
For a detailed list of resources, sign up for Child Care Aware's resources by filling out this form.
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, operations and guidance is frequently changing. To assist with your questions and to share important information, we are starting weekly webinars that will be held on Tuesday afternoons.
Register Here
We have tentatively set up meetings through the end of April. Please keep an eye out for future CNS Updates for any changes.
Do Not Make Changes to WINS
We want to make sure that claims are processed and paid on time. Please do not make any site calendar or other WINS changes unless your program specialist directs you to make changes.
We understand that many sponsors may need to extend their anticipated end date for their emergency meal service, but please wait to do this until after April 15th while claims are processed.
Please visit the OSPI COVID-19 Nutrition and Meal Guidance webpage for more information about CACFP operations during this time. Resources on this page include:
- The CACFP Meal Distribution Plan
- Operating CACFP During the COVID Pandemic Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for Minimizing the Spread of Illness in Child Nutrition Programs
Weekly Webinars
If you haven't already, please register for Child Nutrition Service's Weekly Webinar for CACFP Sponsors. With frequently changing guidance, OSPI CNS is offering a weekly call to discuss updates and answer your questions.
Register Here Date and Time: Tuesdays at 1:30pm -2:30pm PT
April 14
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Weekly CACFP Sponsors Call - 1:30 pm
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April 15
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March Claims Due
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