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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released two new policy memos:
This guidance is intended to be transitional and in effect for school years (SY) 2022–23 and 2023–24. USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) plans to share a new rule for long-term meal pattern requirements to be effective starting in SY 2024–25.
In case of a delay, this updated guidance will remain effective until subsequent standards are shared through rulemaking. The Q&A memorandums rescind and replace SP 37-2019, CACFP 16-2019, Questions and Answers on the Final Rule Child Nutrition Programs: Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements, dated September 23, 2019 and SP 38-2019: Meal Requirements under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Questions & Answers for Program Operators, dated September 23, 2019.
Share Your Thoughts
USDA is inviting comments on this final rule to provide insight as they work towards developing permanent, science-based meal standards for the long-term.
The Final Rule is available for public comment until March 24, 2022. Submit your comments here.
Resources
Breakfast After the Bell (BAB) requirements related to House Bill 1508: The Washington Kids Ready to Learn Act will be returning in SY 22–23 and is required in high-need schools. High-need schools are defined as any public school where at least 70% of the total students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals; or, if operating the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), the school has a free claiming percentage of 70% or more.
Join us for a Webinar!
If you were unable to attend our March 10 webinar, we invite you to attend the repeat presentation!
Register for the BAB: Designing Your Implementation Plan webinar
Date: Thursday, March 24
Time: 2–3 pm PT
Resources
Questions? Please email Mikhail Cherniske, CNS Legislative Specialist
CEP Expansion Signed into Law
Governor Inslee signed House Bill 1878 into law on March 4, 2022. The new law requires participation in the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for all schools with an Identified Student Percentage (ISP) of 40%. This expands the work of HB 2660 (2020) which required CEP in non-high schools above 62.5% ISP. For more details about Identified Student Percentage, please review the CEP Reference Sheet.
State Funding will Supplement Federal Funds in Lower ISP Schools
The law also ensures that CEP schools will get the highest possible per-meal reimbursement. When a school’s Free Claiming Percentage (ISP * 1.6 federal multiplier) is less than 100%, state funding will supplement federal reimbursement so that all meals served are reimbursed at the free rate.
Join Us for a Webinar!
Join OSPI Child Nutrition Services for more information about CEP requirements, the application process, and impacts on other funding.
Register for the SY 2022–23 Community Eligibility Provision Webinar
Date: Wednesday, April 13
Time: 1–2 pm PT
Questions? Please email your OSPI CNS Program Specialist.
All public school districts and private schools must conduct outreach for summer meals each school year as required by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The outreach is to advertise the availability of summer meals before the end of the school year. Even if there won’t be a summer feeding program in your community, you must share resources that allow households to locate summer meals in the area.
Outreach includes distributing locations, meal times, and contact information through your regular communication channels.
There are a number of resources, in both English and Spanish, to raise awareness in your community.
- USDA Resources
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Summer Meals Locator- Promote this tool in English or Spanish.
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USDA National Hunger Hotline- can be reached Monday–Friday
- Families can call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479)
- For Spanish, families can call 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)
- No Kid Hungry Resources
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The OSPI Communication Toolkit located on the SFSP Resources webpage, under the 'Promote the SFSP' dropdown. There you'll find:
- Social Media Graphics and Sample Social Media Posts
- Marketing Materials such as flyers, door hangers, and a banner image
Taste Testers Try New Recipes
Students at Gaiser Middle School were able to sample different baked oatmeal recipes - flavors included Cinnamon Roll, Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Pie, and Blueberry Strudel! YUM!!
Katy Bretanus, Director of Nutrition Services at Vancouver Public Schools, shares that the kids are big fans and they will be serving these recipes throughout the district soon.
Great Job Vancouver Public Schools!
Have something you'd like to share? Send photos and stories to the Child Nutrition team— we will highlight districts in upcoming CNS Newsletters!
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WSDA Farm to School and OSPI is excited to offer a new Farm to School Purchasing Grant available to schools, child care centers, and summer meal program operators for the purchase and use of Washington-grown foods in child nutrition programs.
The Washington State Legislature provided $5 million in the 2021–23 state budget to make grants and expand the WSDA Farm to School program.
52 grantees were awarded for the first round of this grant!
A second round of grants are coming soon! Please keep an eye out in future CNS Updates for more details.
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The Washington School Nutrition Association (WSNA) places an emphasis on continuing education for school nutrition professionals.
Join the Virtual Spring Workshop!
Each year, WSNA hosts their annual Spring Workshop to bring everyone together for updates, connection, and continuing education credits! Register yourself or guest for only $15 per attendee!
Register for WSNA's Spring Workshop (on Zoom)
Date: Saturday, March 26
Time: 8:00 am–12:30 pm PT
Participants can earn up to 3.5 Continuing Education Credits for attending this event.
Mark Your Calendars
WSNA will be hosting their Annual Summer Conference in-person in Spokane on July 25–27! See you there!
Questions? Please email Mindy Cass, WSNA Executive Director for more details.
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