The Verification Summary Report (VSR) is currently 'on hold' in WINS. Recently, OSPI CNS received information that USDA will soon be publish guidance that may impact our process.
Sponsors will not have access to the VSR module in WINS until we receive this additional guidance. Sponsors will be notified when the VSR reopens along with any additional instructions.
Reminders
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All Sponsors operating SFSP/SSO or NSLP in SY2020-21, verification must have been completed by February 28.
- Sponsors operating NSLP in SY 20-21
- Completion of the VSR is tied to submission of the January claim for reimbursement filed in February. Please reach out to your program specialist if unable to submit your January claim due the VSR edit check.
Questions? Please contact your OSPI CNS Program Specialist.
If you’re planning to provide meals over Spring Break, you may need to update WINS information and your SY20-21 Meal Distribution Plan (MDP).
Ensure non-operating days in your SY2020-21 WINS Calendar(s) are updated prior to meal service.
- WINS requires calendars with a NSLP/SBP October Building Data schedule to contain at least one non-operating day.
- A Saturday, Sunday, or the day following the last day of operation can be used as a non-operating day if the site is operating during all holidays and term breaks.
If your Meal Distribution Plan for Spring Break differs from your normal operation, please notify your Program Specialist.
 This year is incredibly busy, but it is a great time to promote CN programs as a response to COVID-19, and highlight your new and creative approaches to feed kids during this time.
National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) starts March 8! Are YOU ready to score big?
How to participate?
- If you use Twitter, we suggest you use the following hashtags: #NSBW21, and #OSPIChildNutrition . You can also tag @USDANutrition and possibly get a re-tweet!
- Use activity and coloring sheets for elementary and middle school age kids to celebrate!
- Download the NSBW Infographic to share information - English and Spanish is available.
- Download the NSBW Toolkit for celebration ideas to engage students at home, in classrooms, and in the cafeteria.
- Use SNA’s Marketing & PR Resources for ideas, social media graphics, and more.
Promote National School Breakfast Week on your Program’s Social Media
Download the Facebook cover photo (jpg) or Instagram meme (jpg) images and add it to your program’s page to increase awareness of #NSBW21!
Send Us Your NSBW Celebrations!
We want to see all the activities, celebrations, and fun you have for #NSBW21! Send Your photos to samantha.brueske@k12.wa.us and your district could be featured in our highlights.
We're Approved!
Public, Private, Tribal, and Charter Schools are encouraged to review this webinar. You will play an important role in ensuring families in your school receive PEBT benefits and getting information out to families.
Watch the Recorded Webinars
Getting the Word Out to Families In Washington
We encourage districts to work with internal and external partners and start reaching out to families they serve. OSPI Child Nutrition Services has provided draft information to School Nutrition Departments.
Dates to Remember
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Week of March 1 - Promotion Materials Available - Keep an eye out for special CNS Updates
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March 8 - Initial Student Data Upload due in Accenture Portal
Please keep an eye out for future CNS Updates with additional information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) granted OSPI Child Nutrition Services’ request to waive SY 20-21 Administrative Review Requirements. Upon approval of the waiver, OSPI must continue to conduct oversight and provide technical assistance to ensure program integrity upon approval of this waiver. One of these activities includes an off-site technical assistance (TA) visit.
Please review our 2/22 Update for more details.
We appreciate the dedication of each sponsor as they continue to provide the children of Washington State with nutritious meals during this unprecedented time.
Questions? Contact your OSPI CNS Program Specialist.
Join Us For Our New Bi-Weekly Webinar Series!
During these webinars OSPI CNS will discuss hot topics, highlight important reminders, and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions.
Register Here
Dates: Every other Wednesday through 6/30/2021
Time: 2 – 3pm PT
Program operators offering the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)/ School Breakfast Program (SBP), Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) during the 20-21 school year are encouraged to join us for these webinars.
Reminders
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Follow up emails will no longer be sent after the meeting. If you missed our last webinar, you can review the recording from our 2/10 meeting here.
- Save us on Your Calendar! When you register, there is an option to add us to your calendar at the bottom of the confirmation email.
- A reminder email with your link to log into the webinar is sent 1 hour before the session starts.
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OSPI Child Nutrition Services (CNS) invites you to participate in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Distribution Program for the 2021 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
Why USDA Foods?
The USDA Foods program offers a wide variety of nutrient-dense, kid-friendly food and provides a great value – plus it can help you achieve a balanced budget.
Organizations earn entitlement dollars based on the number of meals served during the previous years’ operation. Sponsors that earned at least $50 in USDA Foods entitlements based on their 2020 operation are eligible to participate this year.
This Years’ Items May Include:
- Individual fruit cups
- Pre-cooked beef patties
- Canned beans
- Canned fruit
- For a complete list of USDA foods that may be offered, please view the WA Food Items Available List.
More About USDA Food Ordering
- There is a minimum case requirement when ordering.
- Dry Items– 15 cases.
- Frozen Items – 15 cases.
- While USDA Foods uses entitlement dollars, associated fees are charged to the sponsor (processing fees, delivery fees, storage fees, etc.).
How to Participate
- Complete the Intent to Order USDA Foods for SFSP survey by Thursday, March 11, 2021.
- CNS will contact interested sponsors with additional information and ordering instructions.
- The ordering period is March 24–26, 2021.
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School Districts currently receiving USDA Foods will receive their SFSP orders with their NSLP May Surplus order, if applicable.
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Non-School District SFSP Sponsors will arrange to pick-up orders May 3–21, 2021.
- West side pick-up location (Dry and Frozen foods): Lineage Logistics in Algona
- East side pick-up location:
- Frozen - Empire Cold in Spokane
- Dry - Inland Empire Distribution in Spokane.
NOTE: By completing an interest form and accepting USDA foods, you and your organization agree to apply for, and operate, a Summer Food Service Program during summer 2021.
Questions? Please email the FDP team or call 360-725-6204
April orders open Wednesday, March 3, and will close Wednesday, March 10, at 4pm.
Surplus orders will open Thursday, March 11, at 1pm for groups 1 - 3, and 2pm for all other groups. Surplus closes Friday, March 12, at 4pm.
For more information on your group number, please review the Order and Delivery Schedule.
Ordering
- To place an order - log-in to CNP Web.
- Your Food Distribution Application must be completed (including certified and submitted) before you can place an order.
- Ordering Instructions
- Reminder:
The Ordering and Receiving webpage has multiple resources to assist you in placing your ordering including; instructions, order and distribution schedule.
Important Reminders
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Confirmation of USDA Foods If you’re scheduled to receive a USDA Foods Delivery, you should receive an appointment confirmation from the carrier. Please remember to reply to the carrier confirming receipt of appointment.
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To update or change your delivery contact person, please complete the Delivery Updates Form.
Questions? Please email the Food Distribution Office or call 360-725-6204.
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What is the USDA Unprocessed Fruits & Vegetables Pilot Project?
The USDA Pilot Project for Unprocessed Fruits & Vegetables allows schools to use their entitlement dollars to purchase 'unprocessed' fruits and vegetables from various vendors approved by USDA, including produce items that have been minimally sliced, diced, chopped, washed, frozen or dried. Foods that have been heat-treated for processing such as canning or pickling, or contain additives, are not eligible.
Many locally grown products are also available from farms and local food distributors that are eligible vendors for purchases through the USDA Pilot Project.
For more details please review the WSDA Farm to School Toolkit’s USDA Pilot Project page.
How can my school join the USDA Pilot Project?
Schools can participate by submitting the USDA Pilot Project Application. The application window opened February 8, 2021, and closes April 15, 2021. Please complete the application to allocate entitlement for next SY.
OSPI will work with you to help determine how much entitlement you would like to set aside, and making the allocation.
USDA Pilot Project Schools Toolkit
*This program requires procurement to be facilitated by the School District to one or more approved Vendors. Once the allocation has been submitted, this information will be final and cannot be changed.
OSPI and WSDA's farm to school team are available to help.
Need help with vendors, product availability, procurement, or Farm to School opportunities? Please email Chris Iberle, WSDA Farm to School Lead.
Questions about the application process, allocation process, or general info? Please email Sarah Davis, FDP Fiscal Analyst.
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March 1
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December Claim 60-day Deadline - if you haven't already, submit your December Claims!
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March 3–10
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April FDP Ordering Open in CNP
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March 8
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P-EBT Uploads Due in Accenture Portal
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March 10
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Bi-Weekly Food Service Operations for NSLP and SFSP Sponsors Webinar - Register Here
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March 11–12
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April Surplus Ordering Open in CNP
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March 15
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February Claims Due in WINS
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