New! USDA Flexibilities to Allow SFSP Until as Late as December 31, 2020
On August 31, 2020 USDA extended multiple nationwide Summer Food Service Program waivers. These extensions mean that districts operating USDA Child Nutrition Programs may have options for feeding students up until as late as December 31, 2020.
- Districts may be able to choose to operate the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Please note that each program has different regulations and meal counting/claiming requirements. Districts must have an approved MAPS agreement with OPI School Nutrition Programs to operate and claim meals for either program.
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New! Here is a helpful resource on Meal Program Options for Fall of 2020.
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The first step for districts interested in operating the SFSP is to complete the School Year SFSP Form. Once this form is submitted, you will receive a call from your regional specialist to determine next steps.
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Free and Reduced-Price School Meal Application and Direct Certification
- Continue to collect free and reduced-price school meal applications and check for eligible students in the Direct Certification (DCA) System.
- Although districts have the option to operate SFSP, it is important to continue collecting income eligibility information.
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SFSP Area Eligibility
- The Summer Food Service Program Area Eligibility waiver was extended by the USDA until December 31. This means that school sites that are not located in typically eligible locations can apply for the waiver.
- The State agency may approve an area eligibility waiver request from a school if there is a demonstrated need, such as an increase in children eligible for benefits due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
The OPI School Nutrition Programs will provide more guidance as soon as possible. We look forward to working with program operators to provide meals in a safe and accessible manner, either through the NSLP or the SFSP. Please contact your regional specialist with questions.
USDA Foods can be used for either the NSLP or the “School Year” SFSP
Sponsors of the National School Lunch Program that are operating the School Year Summer Food Service Program under the waiver extension may use USDA Foods and USDA DoD Fresh for meals served under either program. Please refer to page 141 of the SFSP Administrative Handbook for guidance on utilizing and keeping inventory records.
Update on delivery Policy for USDA Foods
During COVID-19, the OPI School Nutrition Programs will continue to receive, store, and distribute the USDA Foods requested by School Food Authorities on the Annual Survey.
In hopes of avoiding potential inventory issues stemming from last year’s unanticipated school closure, two opportunities to change survey requests were offered to schools for 2020-21. All requests are now considered final. Monthly deliveries will be planned accordingly, and no adjustments will be possible after orders are processed. Please understand that delivery drivers are not able to adjust orders based on customer request. If an inventory “emergency” arises, contact Pam Fruh for assistance as soon as possible.
New! Electronic Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals for the USDA's National School Lunch & School Breakfast Programs
New Online Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application
Use of this application is optional. Please give it a try if you are interested!
The link to the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application will only be available to families in districts that opt in to use it. Please let our office know if your district wants to opt in.
Contact Bitsey at bdraur@mt.gov or 406-461-5423 to opt in; and for technical support and issues or questions.
School Nutrition Administrative Requirements Fall Workshop - Register Now for the Zoom virtual workshop September 15 or 17
Register here Administrative Requirements Registration
Montana Farm to School Virtual Showcase Series - Save the Date
Celebrate National Farm to School Month this October with two virtual Montana Farm to School Showcases:
- Farm to School during COVID: October 2, 10am-2pm MST with lunch from 12-1pm
- Farm to Tray Tour: October 27, 3pm-5pm MST
Join the Montana Farm to School coaches in exploring how farm to school is implemented around the state. Attendees will discover how farm to school is implemented in the cafeteria, classroom, and community, and will be equipped with the information and resources to start or grow farm to school in their community.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/32gATyQ or contact Aubree Roth, Montana Farm to School Coordinator, at aubree.roth@montana.edu or (406) 994-5996.
Certified Food Protection Manager Online Resources
Montana requires that school food service managers complete a certification process for safe food handling. A list of approved Certified Food Protection Manager training programs can be found at Montana Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Consumer Safety Division, Certified Food Protection Manager Training
School Nutrition Programs Professional Standards
School Year 2020-21 Training Schedule and Continuing Education Opportunities
Cartewheel Menu Planner
OPI and Colyar Technology Solutions have partnered to offer you Cartewheel Menu Planner
Cartewheel simplifies the process of creating healthy, delicious menus, and communicating them to your site staff.
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, TTY 406-444-0235.
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