In 2019 we transitioned to weekly CNS Newsletters to keep the number of emails you receive to a minimum.
These program updates help keep you up-to-date on changes in your programs and share important mandatory information, as well as good to know information at the bottom of the update.
Please note: if there are urgent updates, those will still come as soon as possible in a separate email and will not wait until the following week to be sent out. Please keep your eye out!
To help you navigate the CNS Newsletter format, here are a few helpful tips:
1. Use the Table of Contents at the Beginning of the Newsletter
At the top of every newsletter there is a table of contents to give you an overview of what you MUST look at and what is "good to know" (see details below).
2. See "Update" at the Beginning?
Articles with the word Update at the beginning indicates that there is an important update in regards to State or USDA requirements. These are the articles you must review to stay in the loop about requirements.
3. If you see "Reminder" at the Beginning of the Article
Reminders are previous "updates" that are still important, but were shared in previous newsletters.
4. How about "FYI"?
If you see an article starting with FYI, this is a good-to-know. These include resources, outside trainings and opportunities, grant opportunities from partner agencies, or other good-to-know type of items.
5. Highlights
CNS Highlights are articles highlighting good practices, Food, Body, and Mind Awardees, and other items.
6. Important Dates to Remember
You will find these at the bottom of every newsletter. They will include things like claim due dates, upcoming training and webinars, and other important dates.
We hope this is helpful! If you have any questions or comments about the format, please reach out to Samantha Brueske, Training and Communications Specialist.
Does Your Program Do Amazing Things?
We know you do! That's why we created the Food, Body, and Mind (FBM) awards!
OSPI wants to recognize the efforts made by schools, childcare institutions, and non-profit organizations participating in Child Nutrition Programs.
The award status lasts 3 years, and there are 7 award categories you may apply for:
- Farm to Program
- Local Wellness Policy
- Innovative Menus
- Smarter Mealtimes
- Nutrition Education
- USDA Foods Entitlement
- Environmental Sustainability
Please visit the Food, Body, and Mind Awards webpage for more information.
You can submit your nomination any time, why not today?
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Join us for the CACFP Updates Webinar - Looking Ahead for 2021
Register Here - CORRECT LINK
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Time: 1 - 2pm PT
During this webinar we will discuss:
- COVID Stimulus Relief Bill
- Ounce Equivalents
- Program Updates
- Q&A - please come with your questions!
Questions? Please contact your OSPI CNS Program Specialist.
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Washington State University and University of Washington are collecting information about food access during the pandemic.
The data has the ability to influence resource allocation, so we strongly encourage you to share this survey with the families you serve.
The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and will ask questions about health, food access, and economic needs.
The goal is to learn more about how individuals, families, and communities are handling economic and food disruptions due to the pandemic. Washington State residents who are 18 years or older may participate.
Families can access the survey here.
Join USDA's Team Nutrition free CACFP Halftime: Thirty on Thursdays webinar!
This webinar will show Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operators how to use the Nutrition Facts label to identify items that may be served at reimbursable meals and snacks. Attendees will have a chance to submit questions to the presenters.
Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021
Times: English Webinar - 11:00 - 11:30am PT
Spanish Webinar - 12:00 - 12:30pm PT
Certificates of participation will be provided for those who attend the entire webinar. This training may be eligible for STARS Credits. Please follow DCYF instructions on submitting training certificates for in-service hours.
Learn more about upcoming webinars, as well as recordings of previous webinars on the CACFP Halftime: Thirty on Thursdays webpage.
Grains are an important part of meals in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Starting October 1, 2021, all program operators will be required to use ounce equivalents (oz. eq.) when menu planning. Now is a great time to start learning about what they are and how to use them!
More About Grains and Oz. Eq.
To make sure children and adults get enough grains at CACFP meals and snacks, minimum required amounts for grains are listed in the meal pattern as ounce equivalents (oz eq). Ounce equivalents tell you the amount of grain in a portion of food.
Resources
The USDA Team Nutrition CACFP Grains Ounce Equivalents Resources webpage has training tools, worksheets, webinars, and more to help you with this change! Some tools include:
- Grains Measuring Chart
- Crediting Single-Serving Packages of Grains
- Feeding Infants Using Ounce Equivalents for Grains
- Determining Ounce Equivalents of Grains in CACFP Recipes
- Calculating Ounce Equivalents for Grains
Questions? Please contact your program specialist.
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January 26
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CACFP Updates Webinar - Register Here
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January 29
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November Claim 60-day Deadline - if you haven't already, submit your November Claims!
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