May is recognized as Older Americans Month. Here are some useful resources for you if you serve, or plan to serve adults in your care.
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This year CACFP Specialists have been hosting scheduled office hours and we are requesting feedback on how to better meet your needs.
Specialists start office hours by providing important CACFP updates and reminders. During the remainder of the session, specialists provide technical assistance and training around specific CACFP topics.
The renewal closing date for the current program year is June 30, 2023.
If your organization is planning to operate the CACFP during August or September 2023 and is not operating the program this school year, you must complete the program renewal application in WINS no later than June 30, 2023.
Sponsors most affected by this change are those who plan to operate At-Risk or Pre-school programs. For more information on this, please refer to the FY23 CACFP Annual Updates Webinar.
To start the FY23 renewal process, refer to the CACFP Application and Renewal Reference Sheet and the CACFP Preparing to Complete Renewal Application Checklist.
Please contact your Program Specialist if you have any questions.
In May 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced changes to the USDA nondiscrimination statement.
OSPI CNS has ordered updated “And Justice for All Posters”, we are waiting to receive these items and will announce when distribution begins.
The most current version that you may have is the 2019 “And Justice for All” poster. The 2019 poster was updated to have the USDA building as the image and should say “Revised September 2019” in the bottom left-hand corner. Please continue using the 2019 “And Justice for All” poster in areas where participants will see it.
Need the 2019 Poster? Please contact your OSPI Program Specialist.
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Each month, your regional staff will be holding office hours. Specialists will start office hours by providing important CACFP updates and reminders. During the remainder of the session, specialists will provide technical assistance and training around specific CACFP topics. If a specialist outside of your region is hosting office hours with a topic of interest to you, please feel free to join! |
Upcoming June Office Hours Schedule
Specialist: Eddie Griffin, Region 7
Topic: Infants
Date: 6/12/2023 Time: 11:00 am Click here to join the meeting
Specialist: Molly Gleason, Region 4
Topic: At-Risk Meal Counts in June
Date: 6/16/2023 Time: 1:30 pm Click here to join the meeting
Specialist: Andy Weaver, Region 6
Topic: CACFP Resources
Date: 6/19/2023 Time: 1:00 pm Click here to join the meeting
Specialist: Tina Bischoff, Region 8
Topic: Renewal
Date: 6/21/2023 Time: 4:00 pm Click here to join the meeting
Specialist: Sandra Goodman, Region 5
Topic: Meet and Greet & Fun CACFP Kids Activities
Date: 6/22/2023 Time: 9:30 am Click here to join the meeting
Specialist: Jeannette Green, Region 3
Topic: Renewal
Date: 6/23/2023 Time: 12:30 pm Click here to join the meeting
Specialist: Samantha Evans, Region 2
Topic: Financial Management
Date: 6/23/2023 Time: 10:00 am Click here to join the meeting
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Do you believe in the power of good nutrition? Are you interested in assisting school districts and other institutions in providing children with healthy and nutritious meals? CNS is seeking skilled candidates for several positions. Does this sound like you? Apply to join the CNS team today!
Current Recruitment
Administrative Program Specialist (In Training) Candidate Pool- Recruitment is ongoing. Looking to fill a position in Eastern Washington.
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Washington WIC gives families access to nutritious food and provides health screening, risk assessment, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services. The program provides essential services for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding persons, infants, and children under five. Most pregnant people and young children on Medicaid or Basic Food (SNAP) qualify for WIC services.
To meet the needs of families during the pandemic there have been important changes to the program:
- WIC enrolls new applicants, provides nutrition education and breastfeeding support, and issues food benefits by phone or video chat.
- WIC expanded the choice of foods allowed for purchase using WIC benefits.
- Participants can shop for WIC foods using a WIC card, which makes shopping easier.
- The WICShopper app guides shoppers and provides recipes as well as parenting tips!
Given layoffs and other economic consequences related to COVID-19, people may be seeking WIC services for the first time.
What Can You Do to Help?
Help the families you serve by sharing information about the benefits of WIC. The Department of Health has a great handout you can share (see image) that is available in 14 languages. You can order it from myPRINT.wa.gov so you can offer them to families.
Find WIC Services in Your Area
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Is your school district engaged in Farm to Child Nutrition programing or interested in starting? The Washington State Farm to School Network invites you to the first in-person gathering since 2018! The goal of the gathering is to reconnect and reinvigorate the network and those involved in all aspects of Farm to School and Farm to Early Childhood Education activities.
What is Farm to Child Nutrition?
Farm to School looks different in every community but is typically comprised of one or more of the following activities:
- Serving local food as part of a school meal or snack.
- Providing food and agriculture related education opportunities.
- Offering garden-based hands-on learning.
Who is the Washington Farm to School Network?
The network is compiled of School Districts, Early Care Centers, Farmers, Chefs, State Agencies, Non-profits, and anyone who is passionate about Farm to Child Nutrition. The network exists to advance Farm to School (F2S) and Farm to Early Childhood Education (F2ECE) activities in WA state, increasing equitable access to healthy nutritious foods and connecting youth to their food sources, and instilling lifelong healthy habits.
Register to attend the Gathering by May 22!
Location: Wenatchee Confluence Technology Center
Date: Friday, June 9
Time: 8 am – 3 pm
Cost: Free
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