11/13 CNS Special Update - New Claim Deadline

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 11/13/2024 03:12 PM PST

11/13 CNS Special Update — New Claim Deadline

Update: New Claim Deadline Beginning November 15, 2024
Update: Correction to Plant-Based Meals Grant — Application Opens November 14!
Important Dates to Remember

Update: New Claim Deadline Beginning November 15, 2024

Child Nutrition Program sponsors are reimbursed for eligible meals and snacks. Claims are filed and processed electronically in the Washington Integrated Nutrition System (WINS) monthly.

Monthly claims are due by the 15th of each month following the claim period. All claims entered into WINS and in “OK to Pay” status will process for payment at the end of the month. Claims left in “error status” will not process for payment.

Beginning in November 2024, claims data must be entered in WINS by 2:00 pm on the 15th of each month.

The deadline was moved from 5pm to 2pm to give more time for fiscal and IT staff to compose files for payments and ensure accuracy.

WINS will automatically log all users out of the system on the 15th of each month at exactly 2 pm PT. The system will not allow access to claims until after the monthly reconciliation process is complete. This can take up to two business days.

Didn't submit your claim by the 15th? That's okay! Submit your monthly claim by the 60-day deadline.

Best Practice: Give yourself enough time to input all claiming data, preview errors, and correct any errors. Completing these steps will help you ensure the claim is in “Ok to Pay” status or allow for adequate time to reach out to fiscal or program staff if assistance is needed.

Claiming Resources

Visit our Claims, Fiscal Information, and Resources webpage for essential tools and guidance. The Claims Reference Sheet provides key details, including updates and late-claim exceptions. The WINS Claim Status Guide offers solutions for common claim errors.

For any fiscal-related questions, including claims or grant payments, reach out to our Child Nutrition Services Fiscal Team via our shared inbox at CNSFiscalServices@k12.wa.us. We're here to help!

Update: Correction to Plant-Based Meals Grant — Application Opens November 14!

The Washington State Legislature provided $75,000 to support grants for schools seeking to implement more plant-based meal options in school year (SY) 2024–25. OSPI will award competitive grants up to $10,000 per Local Education Agency (LEA) to be spent during SY 2024–25.

Who Can Apply?

All K-12 schools, including public, charter, and tribal compact schools, participating in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program in Washington state are eligible to apply. All LEAs interested in making more plant-based entrees, sides, and/or dairy alternatives available to students are encouraged to apply. Only LEAs that have not previously received funding for the Plant-Based School Meals Grant may apply.

Application and Grant Funding Resources

Plant Based School Meals Grant Reference Sheet

Plant Based School Meals Grant Application Information Sheet
Grant Application (excel format) available on November 14 in Plant Based Meals Grant dropdown.

Apply Early!

Consider submitting your application as soon as possible to assist OSPI with approving your application so purchases can be finalized before the June 30, 2025, deadline.

Plant-Based School Meals Grant applications are due by 5 pm on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

Why Serve Plant-Based School Meals?

There are a variety of benefits to serving plant-based school meal options, including:

Supporting Student Health: Well-planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

Serving Culturally Appropriate Meals: Providing plant-based menu offerings can make school meals more accessible to children following halal, kosher, and other specific cultural dietary practices. Additionally, many students follow plant-based diets for a variety of reasons.

Supporting Local Agriculture: Washington has a bounty of local farmers and food businesses that are growing and selling plant-based protein foods, like lentils and soy products.

For questions or support applying for this grant, please reach out to CNSGrants@k12.wa.us.

Important Dates to Remember

Nov 14	Plant Based Meals Grant Opens
Nov 15	Claims Due in WINS by 2pm

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.

ADA NOTIFICATION FOR OSPI CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES EVENTS
To arrange accommodations for persons with disabilities for OSPI Child Nutrition Services events, please contact the Child Nutrition Services Team at 360-725-6200, TTY 360-664-3631, or by email, child.nutrition@k12.wa.us at least three business days before the event. Please note that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require OSPI to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

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This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.