Special Update: Flexibilities During Milk Shortages

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 10/27/2023 07:41 AM PDT

10/27 Special Update: Flexibilities During Milk Shortages

Flexibilities During Milk Shortages

Flexibilities During Milk Shortages

We have been notified by dairy processors and distributors within the state of potential milk shortages in the coming weeks. According to 7 CFR 210.10(d)(2)(i), “if a school cannot get a supply of fluid milk, it can still participate in the Program under the following conditions: if emergency conditions temporarily prevent a school that normally has a supply of fluid milk from obtaining delivery of such milk, the State agency may allow the school to serve meals during the emergency period with an alternate form of fluid milk or without fluid milk.”

If you are experiencing a milk shortage, you must obtain OSPI CNS approval of your situation and plan in order for impacted meals to be reimbursed. Please submit the following to your School Meals Program Specialist:

Documentation from vendor or distributor on the reason why milk was not available or delivered;
What type of alternate fluid milk will be offered, or without milk;
School sites affected by the milk shortage; and
Dates of the anticipated shortage

Waivers will only be approved for the duration necessary and as shortages occur. Please continue to work with dairy processors and distributors to secure allowable milk options if available. Consider the following options and what best meets the needs of the students served during a milk shortage:

Offer one type of milk
Offer shelf stable milk
Offer approved milk alternatives
Offer milk types not normally allowed (i.e., 2% or reduced-fat)
Offer milk in cups (poured from gallons)
Ensure water is available and easily accessible. Consider adding more water stations during the milk shortage.
Remember that only 50% of the total fruit offered over the course of the week can come from juice.

Questions? Please contact your School Meals Program Specialist.

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

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