Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Update or Renewal (ALL)
While your organization’s UEI is a permanent alphanumeric code that remains valid for the lifetime of your entity, your registration must be renewed annually via SAM.gov, and updated anytime there is a change to your organization's information. Expiration dates and registration statuses can be tracked in SAM.gov. Registrations remain active for one year from submission. To avoid an inactive registration, the BCN recommends renewing your registration each year during CACFP contract renewal.
For guidance on updating and renewing your registration, see this How-to Guide available on the Federal Service Desk. The Federal Service Desk provides a searchable database of helpful articles pertaining to UEI’s, which can be found by topic or keyword.
NOTE: SAM.gov does not charge for any registration or renewal services. Beware of third-party sites that may charge fees. If your UEI was obtained through a third-party site, follow the UEI Guidance Manual to register and obtain a UEI for free through SAM.gov.
FFY 2026 CACFP Contract Reminder (ALL)
If there are any changes to your agency’s CACFP during the Fiscal Year, you must update and submit the CACFP contract. Changes include:
- New Authorized Representative
- Board Member Changes
- Change in Food Service Vendor
- DCF Child Care License Changes
- New Site Location
- Adding Meal Types Served
If there are changes with the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), legal name, or ownership of the agency, contact your assigned consultant.
Failure to submit these changes and receive DPI approval in a timely manner may result in disruption of CACFP participation and/or reimbursement. Contact your assigned consultant when changes are made and the contract is submitted.
Refer to the CACFP Contract Manual for instructions on how to access, update and submit the contract.
Sponsoring Organization Reminder: 2025 4th Quarter Report Due (SO)
If your agency participated in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) with two or more sites you should have submitted all four quarters of your CACFP Financial Report for the 2025 program year (October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025). The last quarterly report for the reporting period of July 1 - September 30, 2025) was due on December 1, 2025. If you have not yet submitted this report, do so as soon as possible. Instructions can be found here Quarterly Financial Report.
This requirement is not for Independent Centers that only have one site on the CACFP. Those agencies should have already filed their annual financial report for 2025 which was due November 1.
CACFP Required Documents List (ALL but FDCH)
Please take a few moments today to review the CACFP Required Documents List to ensure that your agency is completing all required CACFP forms/records for your program type.
Be Informed About Food Recalls and Food Borne Illness Outbreaks (ALL)
Despite best efforts across the food industry to keep all food in the supply chain safe and free from contamination, foods are recalled every day due to concerns over the potential to cause foodborne illness. It is important for agencies to be aware of recalls in case they are affected and action is needed.
As the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is not directly involved in the purchase of agency commercial purchases, DPI may not always receive the details and information necessary to notify agencies and/or monitor commercial product recalls. The best way for agencies to obtain this information is to receive email notifications regarding food recalls directly from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Agencies are strongly encouraged to sign up for free email updates through this website: www.recalls.gov, specifically the U.S. FDA alerts. Agencies may also keep track of recalls and outbreaks via the FoodSafety.gov website widget.
State or local public health agencies may also list state-specific recalls and outbreak alerts on their websites, such as Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services: Outbreaks in Wisconsin and the Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Food Recalls.
In the event a USDA Foods product is recalled, the USDA Foods team at DPI will follow specific procedures for handling the recall and notifying agencies.
Agencies may also receive information regarding recalls or other food safety alerts from their vendors, distributors, or sales representatives. Be sure to closely review any notices from your suppliers and take appropriate action when necessary.
Thank you for taking steps to be informed about food recalls.
CACFP Shout-Outs (ALL)
Does your program have a favorite recipe, a fun food-related activity, helpful tips or resources for running a successful food program, a staff member who is going above and beyond for the food program, or even just a previous menu you are exceptionally proud of?!
Complete the CACFP Shout-Out Entry Form for a chance to be featured in a future CACFP Today Newsletter and DPI social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter. Note: If submitting a recipe, be sure to include the crediting information to show how the food item(s) count towards CACFP meal pattern requirements.
ICN December Mealtime Memo: Preventing Lead Poisoning (ALL)
Ensuring the safety and well-being of children is a top priority for parents and caregivers. One critical aspect of maintaining a safe environment is preventing lead poisoning, a severe health rish that can have long-lasting effects on young children. This Mealtime Memo defines lead, identifies lead sources, describes the health effects of lead exposure, explains why children are at risk, and shares important information on how to prevent lead poisoning.
Wishing you Happy Holidays from all of us at the Bureau of Community Nutrition! We are deeply thankful for your support and wish you a joyful and healthy New Year!
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