Please upload eligibility lists for Summer 2022 benefits for the families you serve!
The P-EBT Portal is open for you to submit your district's eligibility and school closure lists.
After logging in, you will see one template on the home screen. It is highly recommended that you download and use this template to record your student eligibility data.
If you would like more information on this year's P-EBT benefits program, you can watch the recording of the SY 2022-23 School Meal Program Operations and P-EBT Webinar. Please note: You will be required to create or log into your Moodle account to view this recording.
For any issues or questions, please reach out to the P-EBT Support inbox.
Local Education Agency(LEA) applications for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) are due this Friday, September 30.
Please follow the instructions provided in the bulletins to complete the renewal process. The NSLP/SBP Renewal Application Checklist can be used as a guide to complete the application.
For links to bulletins and their attachments, please review the 7/18 Renewal Article.
What happens if we submit our renewal after September 30?
Please work to submit your renewal application as soon as possible. It is possible that Sponsors who submit their application for approval past the September 30 deadline may not be approved in time to receive reimbursement for meals served during August and September 2022.
General Reminders
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SY 22-23 Document Submission Form
The SY 22–23 Document Submission Form must be submitted in addition to the WINS application. Additional information submitted through the form includes:
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Milk Substitute Notification: Sponsors are required to notify OSPI Child Nutrition of their intent to provided a milk substitute to children outside of those with a documented medical need.
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Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Waiver Election: Sponsors are required to notify OSPI Child Nutrition Services of their intent to waive the requirement to raise paid lunch prices.
- August Operating Dates
Resources
Questions? Contact your OSPI CNS School Meals Program Specialist.
Verification Process
Verification is the process of confirming free and reduced-price meal eligibility based on an application. The verification process begins each year on October 1 and concludes November 15. Results of the verification process (Verification Summary Report) must be submitted to Child Nutrition Services by February 1, 2023.
All Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that determine eligibility for meals using meal applications must conduct verification.
Verification Method Reminders
- New LEA must use the 3% focused method.
- LEAs with a 20% or greater non-response rate from verification in school year 2021-22 must use the 3% Focused method.
Sponsors Who Collect Meal Applications
All sponsors who determine eligibility for meals using meal applications should move forward with the annual verification process for SY 22–23.
Reminder: The Direct Verification Process has been discontinued. We encourage sponsors to familiarize themselves with the Rolling Verification process to help reduce workload.
Materials
Verification materials and tools are available on the CNS Free and Reduced-Price Meals and Verification webpage including:
- Timeline for Completing Verification Tasks
- Verification Non-Response Rate 20% or greater for SY 2021–22
- 3% Focused Sampling Worksheet
- 3% Random Sampling Worksheet
- 1% plus ½% Focused Sampling Worksheet
- Explanation of Method Used to Select Verification Sample
- Waiver of Second Party Confirmation Review and Instructions
- Documentation of the Verification Process
- Verification Letter Templates in English and Spanish
The SY 22–23 Verification Summary Report will be completed in WINS.
Timeline
Please use the Timeline for Completing Verification Tasks for complete details of completing this process.
Beginning of the school year to October 1: Process applications and run the direct certification list often. Ensure you have the most up to date information from the LEA Homeless Liaison and Head Start/ECEAP program administrators. Remove and file separately, paper applications for students that are directly certified for Basic Food, TANF, Migrant, FDPIR, Homeless, Head Start/ECEAP.
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October 1
- Count newly submitted applications for SY 22–23.
- Determine the Verification Method and select appropriate sample.
- Conduct a Second Party Confirmation Review or, if applicable, print waiver.
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October 1 – November 15 Send Verification notices. Conduct follow up attempts and send letters of adverse action as applicable
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Last Operating Day in October Count and record the number of newly eligible students in SY 22–23, who are:
- Directly certified for Basic Food
- Directly certified for Medicaid Free
- Directly certified for Medicaid Reduced
- Directly certified for TANF, Foster, FDPIR, Migrant, Homeless, Head Start/ECEAP
- Eligible for free meals; paper applications with case numbers and foster child
- Eligible for free meals; paper application – household size and income
- Eligible for reduced-price meals – household size and income
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Prior to February 1 Complete and submit the Verification Summary Report
Questions about the verification process? Please contact your program specialist.
With so many districts opting into the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), we have been working to create some new resources, including Notice of Eligibility Letters for the Family Income Survey and an updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.
Join us for a CEP Webinar!
During this webinar, we will review the yearly timeline of operating under CEP, best practices, and common questions. Additionally, we will share old and new resources.
Register for the SY 22–23 CEP Webinar
Date: Wednesday, September 28
Time: 1:30–3:00 pm PT
What Are Your Next Steps When Operating CEP?
Notify households about CEP operation and the availability of breakfast and lunch meals at no cost.
- Ensure that an accurate meal counting system is in place that includes safeguards to prevent second meals from being counted and claimed.
- Connect with the department in charge of distributing the Family Income Survey and share resources provided on the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Provision 2 webpage and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Title I, Part A webpage.
- Serve all students at participating school(s) breakfast and lunch at no cost for the 4-year cycle.
Resources
It's More Than the Family Income Survey Toolkit- This toolkit is designed to help districts promote the importance of families filling out the Family Income Survey each year. The information collected on these forms can help schools receive funding for important programs.
Family Income Survey- Notice of Eligibility for Reduced Fees:
Questions? Contact your OSPI CNS School Meals Program Specialist.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released several tools, resources, and webinars to assist with the upcoming school year.
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Professional Standards Training Tracker Tool (PSTTT) Webinar will review the basic features of the PSTTT including how to manage your employee profiles, log training, and print certificates. Additionally, we will highlight some of the latest updates to the PSTTT such as deactivating and reactivating employee profiles, bulk upload of trainings and employee profiles, and the new job title categories.
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Understanding Cultural Food Ways in School Communities Webinar—Offering culturally inclusive menu items is also a way for students to learn more about their peers. This webinar (part one of a two-part series) will provide a roadmap for community outreach and engagement around religious and cultural foodways.
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Meal Talk: Taste-Test Events Webinar will share tools, tips, strategies, success stories, and best practices related to hosting taste-test events with elementary and secondary school students. Attendees will hear about new ideas and tools for conducting taste-test events as well as strategies for incorporating taste-test results into menu planning.
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USDA Back-to-School Media Toolkit webpage features sample social media posts, downloadable flyers and fact sheets and video soundbites from USDA's Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity on topics such as the importance of school meals and what parents need to know about School Meals.
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Transitioning to Standard Child Nutrition Operations in School Year (SY) 2022–23 Resources
October 1-31: National Farm to School Month
Celebrate by offering farm to school activities at least once or all month long! Some ideas include: taste tests, nutrition education, farm visits, and garden harvest parties!
Serving local food items as part of your menu is another great way to celebrate! More ideas and specific resources are found on National Farm to School Network’s website.
OSPI and USDA support the use of Farm to School activities in your program. In fact, they’re considered a best practice!
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October 5: Taste Washington Day!
Taste Washington Day is a celebration of your Farm to School efforts! October is National Farm to School Month. So it’s a great time to highlight all of your Farm to School activities.
How can your school district participate?
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Sign your district up online and share your plans!
- The WSDA Farm to School program will help connect you with farms in your area.
- Serve breakfast or lunch with local ingredients on October 5 (or another day in October).
- Celebrate with some Farm to School activities, such as:
- Market your Washington grown ingredients by displaying posters or special salad bar signs (See WSDA Farm to School Toolkit or Team Nutrition websites)
- Do a Washington Apple Crunch
- Invite farmers to the cafeteria
- Do a local foods taste test
- Partner with teachers or school gardeners to teach a lesson on nutrition and agriculture
Questions? Email Annette Slonim, WSDA Farm to School Lead or call 206-714-2757.
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October 5 at Noon: Washington Apple Crunch
The statewide Apple Crunch also occurs on October 5 and purchasing local apples for the Crunch can count towards both events! Taste Washington Day is a great way to kick-off Farm to School Month! Celebrate with us on October 5 and count the efforts towards your participation in Farm to School Month!
Print and send home the 2022 Apple Crunch Flyer with info about how to do the apple crunch, and Washington apple facts!
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October 10–14, 2022: National School Lunch Week
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves nearly 30 million children every school day in cafeterias, classrooms, and when necessary, even at home! National School Lunch Week highlights the importance of school lunch as well as the critical role school nutrition professionals play in helping children succeed.
This year’s theme is Peace, Love, & School Lunch
How to participate?
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Join the USDA Meal Talk: Taste-Test Events Webinar on Wednesday, October 12! During this webinar, speakers will share tools, tips, strategies, success stories, and best practices related to hosting taste-test events with elementary and secondary school students. Attendees will hear about new ideas and tools for conducting taste-test events as well as strategies for incorporating taste-test results into menu planning. Register for the USDA Meal Talk: Taste-Test Events Webinar | Date: Wednesday, October 12 | Time: Noon–1pm PT
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Deck out your cafeteria with NSLW posters and other artwork portraying nutritious lunch foods. This is a great opportunity to make use of the annual theme to highlight lunchtime favorites.
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Share your upcoming celebration on social media! Download the official #NSLW22 social media graphics to start promoting.
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Get in touch with local personalities! Invite teachers, administrators or even your school principal to stand in as guest servers for lunch one day.
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Offer a tasting of new menu items and talk to students about the nutritious benefits they get from certain foods.
Visit the NSLW22 webpage for additional tools and resources!
Share Your Celebration with the School Nutrition Association!
We Want to Celebrate YOU!
Send pictures and stories of your Farm to School Month celebrations to the School Meals Team inbox!
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Civil Rights training must be completed annually by all staff who help administer a Child Nutrition Program. Program directors and administrators must train staff on organizational practices and requirements.
Review Your Requirements with the CNS Civil Rights Training!
CNP sponsors, administrators, and directors of organizations must be trained annually on Civil Rights requirements, as well as train program staff on their requirements. While this training goes over what is required for Civil Rights training, it does not go into your organization’s practices. Additional training must be provided to staff to meet requirements.
How To Access This Training
Anyone is able to access the Civil Rights training in the Moodle platform. NOTE: You must have a Moodle Account to access this training.
Civil Rights Updates
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated their nondiscrimination statement in May 2022 to clarify prohibitions against discrimination based on sex in all USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs.
Sponsors must:
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Update program discrimination complaint processing procedures to include complaints alleging sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination, if not currently part of your organizational practices.
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Process any complaints alleging sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination as complaints of prohibited sex discrimination.
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Update webpages and documents with the updated USDA Child Nutrition Programs Nondiscrimination Statement.
- The nondiscrimination statement is required on all documents referring to program access, program approval, and widely distributed documents. Examples include: items distributed to the public, landing page of web pages, student handbooks, brochures, letters to families, or press releases.
- Child Nutrition Program operators and sponsors are required to take reasonable steps to ensure program access and benefits to individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
- OSPI CNS updated documents to include the updated statement in English and Spanish. USDA will be updating their Nondiscrimination Statement Webpage as additional translations are made available. Be sure to use the document listed under the "All Other Programs NDS" column.
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Continue using the 2019 'And Justice for All' posters OSPI CNS has ordered updated 'And Justice for All' Posters, we are currently waiting to receive these items and will announce when distribution will begin. Until you receive the updated posters, please continue using the 2019 'And Justice for All 'poster in areas where participants may see it.
Questions? Please email the Child Nutrition inbox so we may assist.
On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) into law, which established the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP provides eligible households a discount of up to $30 per month off their internet bills (or $75 per month for households living on Tribal lands), as well as a one-time $100 discount off an eligible connected device.
How This Impacts Your Programs
All households with a child who was approved to receive free or reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) within the last 12 months, including children who attend schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), are eligible for ACP benefits.
Spread the Word about ACP!
Spread awareness of ACP benefits and increase enrollment by:
- Telling Families About the Program
- The ACP Outreach Toolkit has flyers, infographics, social media posts, and other resources available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
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GetInternet.gov is the one-stop shop to check eligibility, enroll, and learn which providers offer fully covered plans.
- The website is also available in Spanish at AccedeAInternet.gov.
- Households can also call 877-384-2575 to learn how to apply.
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Contacting eligible or likely-eligible households directly.
- The federal government will conduct a Back-To-School campaign with information about ACP.
- Text messages and mail campaigns sent directly to eligible (or likely eligible) populations have the highest response rates and are recommended. Where possible, please reach out to these eligible or likely-eligible households directly.
ACP Eligibility
Households are also independently eligible if (1) their income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($55,500 for a family of four); or (2) a member of the household participates in certain other Federal benefit programs—including, among others, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid, and Federal Public Housing Assistance.
Households also gain ACP eligibility if one member of the household participates in one of these programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Federal Pell Grant (received in the current award year), Lifeline, and certain Tribal assistance programs—including Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard), Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Households that are eligible for a broadband provider’s existing low-income internet program also qualify.
If a consumer’s eligibility cannot be confirmed through an automated database, they can provide proof of eligibility when they apply.
Child Nutrition Services is looking for members for the SY 22–23 & SY 23–24 School Meal Programs Advisory Council
The CNS Advisory Council is a voluntary group, comprised of a diverse group of sponsors from different geographic regions, size representation, and meal production methods. The purpose of this advisory council is to provide a forum for collaboration and understanding between OSPI and sponsors of the School Meal Programs.
While not a decision making authority, the advisory council will serve a critical role by:
- Providing input on and sharing of best practices;
- Providing input on training and resource needs;
- Engaging in peer to peer learning and peer support.
Submit Your Interest Form Today!
If you are interested in participating in this group, please complete this interest form by Friday, October 7, 2022.
Member Selection
Member selection will be based on size, geographical location, meal production method, and type sponsor type, to best represent sponsors in Washington. Sponsors may volunteer and/or be invited by OSPI CNS. OSPI CNS will make final decision on members. Advisory Council members agree to be honest, transparent and respectful in their dialogue with other Advisory Council members and while representing the Advisory Council.
Questions? Please email the School Meals team inbox.
Preparation for applying for grant projects takes time. We wanted to share some upcoming opportunities so you can start planning for your projects now.
Child Nutrition Services will have the following grants available in the coming months. These grants will be available in the OSPI iGrants system.
- Breakfast Meals for Kids Grant (planned release date: November 2022)
- A state funded grant to start or expand the School Breakfast Program.
- Applicants must be a public school district, charter school or tribal compact school and have an approved application or be in the approval process to operate the USDA School Breakfast Program. This grant may also be utilized to purchase or renew a license for nutrient analysis software used to support the School Breakfast Program.
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Grant Criteria- Start or expand the School Breakfast Program
- Grant funds must be utilized by June 30, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Equipment Assistance Grant (planned release date: January 2023)
- A federally-funded grant for equipment that costs $1,000 or more per unit.
- Applicants must be a public or private school, charter school, tribal or tribal compact school, or a residential child care institution and have an approved application to operate the USDA National School Lunch Program.
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Grant Criteria- Purchase equipment to serve healthier school meals, improve food safety, and help support the establishment, maintenance, or expansion of the School Breakfast Program.
- This grant has a 2-year project period and is suited for complex projects and long lead times for equipment. Grant funds must be utilized by September 30, 2024.
Note: For both grants, construction costs are not an allowable cost and must be paid for by the Local Education Agency.
Getting Ready to Apply
- Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure your project meets the needs of your students.
- Ensure to work with administration so you can get proper approvals for your project.
- Start gathering complete specifications for the equipment needed and estimate the complete cost for the grant application. You’ll need the following:
- Three quotes from potential suppliers
- Tax, shipping/freight
- Cost of installation
- Review the CNS Grant Writing Tips and Tricks Reference Sheet for important reminders and considerations.
Questions? Please email the CNS Grants team inbox.
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Upcoming Scratch Cooking Recipe Development Trainings
At this free, half-day training, you’ll learn the basics of recipe standardization from how to find and analyze a starting recipe through taste testing and scaling to volume. Other useful scratch cooking topics such as determining crediting information, using local ingredients, and how to promote your new recipes will also be covered.
Register Today!
This training will be most useful for nutrition professionals responsible for scratch recipe development and menu planning.
Each participant must register for the event using their own pdEnroller account.
Funding for this training is provided by a USDA Team Nutrition Grant. For additional information about this or other Team Nutrition Grant activities email Erica Lamson, Team Nutrition Grant Coordinator.
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