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School Nutrition Bulletin 2425-15

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Announcements from the WI DPI School Nutrition Team (SNT)

  • Updates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Updates from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) School Nutrition Team
  • Other Updates and Information

The DPI School Nutrition Team extends its best wishes for a Happy New Year to each of you!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is any way we can assist you in enhancing your programs in 2025!

 

Updates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

 

USDA Announces Availability of Funding for Local Food in Schools and Child Care (LFSCC)

Through the Agricultural Marketing Service of USDA, a $1.13 billion investment has been announced to support local and regional food systems. Wisconsin has been allocated $9,055,110 for food purchases for schools, and $2,361,968 for food purchases for childcare institutions over a three-year period.

The Department of Public Instruction School Nutrition Team is working through the cooperative agreement process and will be sharing additional information as we gear up to accept applications.

 

USDA Policy Memorandum SP 07-2025, CACFP 07-2025 Requirement to Accept Medical Statements from Registered Dietitians for Schools and Child and Adult Care Institutions and Facilities

On December 30, 2024, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released the following policy guidance to support School Meal Programs and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) operations following the publication of the final rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (89 FR 31962, April 25, 2024):

This memorandum with the attached Questions and Answers clarifies the updated regulatory requirement for Program operators to accept medical statements from registered dietitians. This requirement applies to Program operators of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program (7 CFR 210.10(m)(1)(i), 220.8(m)) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) (7 CFR 226.20(g)(1)(i)). The change requiring Program operators to accept medical statements from registered dietitians must be implemented by July 1, 2025, for school meal programs and October 1, 2025, for CACFP. Program operators have the option, but are not required, to implement this change prior to the implementation dates.

 

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is Seeking YOUR Feedback!

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is interested in collecting voluntary feedback on the resources available to learn more about USDA Foods in Schools products, including USDA Foods in Schools Product Information Sheets and the USDA Foods Database. We seek to better understand how these resources are currently utilized and identify potential opportunities for improvement. The intended audience for this survey is state agencies and school food authorities (SFA) operating the National School Lunch Program, including school districts, individual schools, and contracted food service management companies (FSMC).

Information from this survey will be used internally for general service improvement, to help determine the future of these two resources, and ensure USDA Foods product information is being presented in a way that is most useful to recipients.

The USDA requests your feedback by April 18, 2025. The link to provide feedback can be accessed at: Product Information Sheet and USDA Foods Database Survey.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at USDAFoods@usda.gov. Thank you in advance for your assistance!

 

School Food Authority (SFA) Supply Chain Survey and Dashboard

On December 18, the USDA released results from the third SFA Survey on Supply Chain Disruptions and Student Participation. The report details findings from a 20-minute online questionnaire sent to all school food authorities (SFA) operating Child Nutrition Programs in schools to gather information on the impacts of continued supply chain challenges during school year 2023-24. In addition to the report, a new interactive data visualization was also released to explore key findings and trends over time.

The new dashboard will allow users to view select results by each State and territory, where results for all SFAs within a State or territory are averaged together. The full dashboard can be found here: School Foodservice Supply Chain Challenges Dashboard | Food and Nutrition Service.

Here are five insights about the state of the school meals supply chain in school year 2023-24:

  1. 95% of SFAs experienced at least one supply chain-related challenge, but overall, the median number of challenges was less than the previous school year.
  2. Similar to the previous school year, more than 80% of SFAs reported high food costs, making it the most common challenge.
  3. More than 30% of SFAs reported increasing the use of scratch cooking to address supply chain challenges during SY 2023–24. Note: Scratch cooking is preparing meals with fresh ingredients, rather than using ready-made foods.
  4. More than 20% of SFAs reported increasing purchases of local foods to address supply chain challenges.
  5. While almost 25% of SFAs reported less student participation due to supply chain challenges, schools in states offering Healthy School Meals for All were less likely to see a reduction in student participation, compared to states not offering Healthy School Meals for All. Note: “Healthy School Meals for All” refers to states that are providing meals at no cost to all students.

Overall, these results show that in many ways, the supply chain has improved over the past three school years. Yet, schools still need support to overcome any challenge that might stand in the way of them serving nutritious meals to students.

 

The Child Nutrition Database (CNDB) Now Available on FoodData Central

The Child Nutrition Database (CNDB) is now available on FoodData Central. The Child Nutrition Database (CNDB) has moved from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website to FoodData Central’s Website. The CNDB is the required database for nutrient analysis software approved by USDA for use in school meals.

The CNDB includes food product data collected for the following 19 nutrients and components: calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, iron, ash, total sugars, added sugars, and moisture.

The CNDB includes nutrient data from: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) Legacy Release, USDA Standardized Recipes, and food manufacturers for products produced for and marketed to school food service, including USDA Foods.

The branded product data in the CNDB will now be updated monthly on the same cycle as the Global Branded Food Products Database, with updates for the other data sources occurring twice annually, as needed.

Please Share: Action Steps for Nutrient Analysis and Certification of Compliance Software Companies

Software companies may download the current version of the CNDB monthly to provide their customers with the latest updates. Companies must continue to submit their updated nutrient analysis and certification of compliance software annually to USDA for review. Software companies will submit their updated software in July to ensure required updates are available to their customers by the start of their school year.

If you have questions about this transition or if you are a new software company seeking approval, please contact the USDA Software Evaluation Team at cnpntab@usda.gov.

Action Steps for State Agencies, School Food Authorities (SFA), and Local Schools

At this time no action is required by State agencies, SFAs, and local schools. Users should verify with their nutrient analysis software company that the software includes the most current version of the CNDB. Software users may contact their software company to inquire when the software will transition to monthly updates.

 

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Requests Public Comments on Pilot Projects for Tribes to Administer Child Nutrition Programs

Friday, December 20, 2024, the Request for Information: Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects was published for public inspection. Comments received in response to this Request for Information will inform the application process, and eligibility and selection criteria, for the Child Nutrition Tribal Pilot Projects.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, (P.L. 118-42) provided $2 million for pilot projects that will allow Tribes to administer Child Nutrition Programs, assuming the roles and responsibilities typically held by State agencies

Link to the Public Inspection Page on the Federal Register.

 

USDA Requests Public Comments on Grain-Based Desserts and High-Protein Yogurt Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs (CNP)

In Request for Information: Grain-Based Desserts and High-Protein Yogurt Crediting in Child Nutrition Programs, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requests comments from the public. The request for information was issued on December 26, 2024, to obtain input to help inform future policymaking, guidance, and technical assistance related to grain-based desserts and high-protein yogurt crediting in Child Nutrition Programs (CNP).

The public is invited to submit comments on the Regulations.Gov Page through March 26, 2025.

On February 7, 2023, FNS issued a Proposed Rule to update Child Nutrition Program (CNP) meal pattern requirements. The rule included a proposal to limit grain-based desserts in the School Breakfast Program to no more than two-ounce equivalents per week, consistent with the National School Lunch Program. However, based on public feedback, FNS did not finalize that proposed limit in the Final Rule, which published on April 25, 2024. Partners raised concerns that the proposal would limit options at school breakfast and recommended that FNS re-evaluate use of grain-based desserts at school breakfast. In the final rule, USDA committed to exploring methods for improving and simplifying grain-based dessert requirements by soliciting further partner input.

Yogurt is a popular menu item in CNPs. It may be offered in a variety of forms: plain or flavored, unsweetened or sweetened, strained or non-strained, and/or high-protein or regular; as a standalone option or in different menu items, such as yogurt parfaits or smoothies. The variety of yogurt available at retail and in the K-12 market, including high-protein yogurt (e.g., Greek and Greek-style yogurt), has grown and evolved significantly. Therefore, in 2017, FNS requested public input on whether high-protein yogurt (including Greek and Greek-style yogurt) should credit differently than regular yogurt. Those comments were mixed and, as a result, FNS maintained consistent crediting for all yogurt in the CNPs. FNS is now seeking additional public input to determine if any new information warrants a change to yogurt crediting in the CNPs.

Additional Resources:

For more information on submitting comments, please see Tips for Submitting Effective Comments. (Please note this is a Federal Register resource and not an FNS resource.)

Updates from the DPI School Nutrition Team

 

Statewide Ramadan Waiver Approved

On December 23, 2024, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved Wisconsin DPI’s statewide waiver request to allow local Program operators to serve meals in a non-congregate setting to participants in attendance at a school or sponsoring agency and fasting to observe Ramadan in 2025.

Under the waiver approval, local Program operators may offer meals for participants to consume in a non-congregate setting, adjust the time of meal service, and serve meals in high schools without using offer versus serve during Ramadan 2025.

The waiver is effective from February 28, 2025, through March 30, 2025, though school food authorities (SFAs) and sponsoring organizations may only operate non-congregate meal service during their local observance of Ramadan.

Please contact the School Nutrition Team if your SFA is interested in using this waiver.

 

Wisconsin Farm to School (F2S) Recognition Program: Check-in Call

Join the Farm to School Team for a mid-year check-in about the Wisconsin F2S Recognition Program. Connect with us to troubleshoot challenges, share success stories, or to learn more about the program to sign-up for the first time.

The call will be held Tuesday, January 28 from 1:30-2:30 PM. Register Here to receive a calendar invite and link to join!

 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grant - APPLICATION Coming Soon!

USDA released Policy Memorandum SP 20-2024 regarding the FY 2024 National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant for School Food Authorities. USDA awarded Wisconsin a total of $170,191 to distribute to School Food Authorities (SFAs). Note, this is a significant decrease in funding from previous equipment grants and will affect the number of SFAs we are able to award.

The application period for the FY 2024 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant is expected to open in early 2025, however the exact release date is currently unknown.

When the application is available, all Authorized Representatives (AR) and Food Service Directors (FSD) will receive a Qualtrics link unique to their SFA to apply. Application information will be posted on the USDA NSLP Equipment Grant webpage as well as shared with all SFAs prior to the application period.

Questions related to this grant should be directed to the Equipment Grant Team at DPIEquipGnt@dpi.wi.gov.

 

Around the World in 80 Trays – Quickly Approaching!

The annual Around the World in 80 Trays event is quickly approaching: January 20-24, 2025! Do not miss the chance to serve a globally inspired dish in honor of the unique cultural backgrounds of Wisconsin students!

Visit the Around the World in 80 Trays Webpage for recipes, including Fast Recipe Ideas! Remember to Take the Pledge to help us reach our goal of 80 participating schools and districts.

 

Two New Resources: Tips for Connecting with Farmers and School Food Service Directors

Connecting with School Food Service Directors: In a Nutshell

Connecting with Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers: In a Nutshell

The Farm to School team has created two new Nutshells to help connect Farmers and Food Service Directors.

Communication is vital for creating connections and building relationships between farmers and school food service directors and involves understanding the different roles, needs, and commonly shared goals.

Farmers focus on their challenges, such as finding consistent buyers, managing production, food safety, understanding regulations, and farmers value partnerships that respect their hard work.

School Food Service Directors focus on prioritizing healthy, affordable, and compliant meal options for students, with concerns including budgets, nutrition standards, food safety, and logistics. Learning terms and concepts familiar to each industry generate informed conversations covering agricultural practices and school meal programs creating mutual benefits such as providing fresh, local food to schools while supporting local farmers and enhancing student nutrition and community health.

Discussing creative solutions for seasonal menu planning that align with farmer production cycles and school budgets for consistency and reliability are crucial for fostering trust in these partnerships which builds a relationship that feels collaborative rather than transactional. Building meaningful connections with people takes time, effort, and a genuine approach.

Take a look at these two new Nutshells today to create a new working relationship between Farmers and Food Services Directors!

 

Winter 2025 Training Opportunities

Administrative Review & You Workshop

The DPI SNT will host a virtual Administrative Review & You workshop on Tuesday, January 21st, from 1:30-3:30PM. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Administrative Review (AR), including insights into utilizing the SNACS software. For SFAs with an AR scheduled this school year, attendance is highly recommended. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to enhance your knowledge on the Administrative Review process and Register Today!

Winter 2025 Meal Eligibility and Verification Workshop

Join the Free and Reduced Meal Eligibility and Verification specialists for a new virtual winter workshop on Wednesday, January 29th from 1:30-2:30PM. This virtual session will provide a comprehensive review of the available resources to assist School Food Authorities (SFAs) with meal eligibility and verification requirements. There will also be an opportunity for SFAs to ask meal eligibility and verification questions. This workshop is recommended for individuals listed as the Determining, Confirming, or Verifying Officials in their online school nutrition contract. Register Today to attend this workshop!

Other Updates and Information

 

NEW! Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Student Services/Prevention and Wellness (SSPW) Coordinated School Health (CSH) Website and Healthy Schools Academy

Looking to improve your school's health environment? Student Services/Prevention and Wellness is excited for schools to join the Healthy Schools Academy. The Healthy Schools Academy has three participation levels and includes potential funding for schools.

*The Healthy Schools Academy has replaced the School Health Awards that ended in 2023.

For more information, contact Eileen Hare, Coordinated School Health Consultant at eileen.hare@dpi.wi.gov

 

Food Research and Action Center’s (FRAC’s) 2024 Community Eligibility Report

FRAC’s newest report, Community Eligibility: The Key to Hunger-Free Schools — School Year 2023–24 has been published. The report contains national and state-level participation data for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for last school year.

The top-level findings from this report include:

  • 23.6 million children attended a CEP school, an increase of 3.8 million children, or 18.9 percent, from the previous school year.
  • 7,717 school districts had one or more school’s adopting CEP, an increase of 1,298 school districts, or 20.2 percent, from the 2022–2023 school year.
  • 74.3 percent of eligible school districts adopted CEP.
  • 47,766 schools adopted CEP, an increase of 7,531 schools, or 18.7 percent, from the previous school year.
  • 84.7 percent of eligible schools adopted CEP.
  • One out of two schools that operated the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in 2023–24 used CEP to offer healthy school meals to all their students.

 

Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition (CICN) Webinar Series: Resources Gallery Walk: Tools and Training to Enhance Child Nutrition Culinary Programs

Thursday, January 9, 2025

2-3 PM CST

Join us for the January 2025 webinar where we will highlight the culinary resources, tools, and online training available on the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN)/Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition (CICN) website and iLearn platform. Through interviewing ICN/CICN chefs and staff, you will gain valuable insights into how these culinary resources and tools support child nutrition operators in enhancing culinary skills and streamlining school meal programs.

In this webinar, you will learn more about CICN in-person training opportunities and how to maximize this tool to optimize the efficiency of your daily operations in school kitchens.

SNA Key Area(s): 3 – Administration

USDA Professional Standards Code(s): 3400 – Human Resources and Staff Training

Learning Objective(s):

  • Describe how CICN's on-the-job training available on the ICN/CICN website and iLearn platform, supports staff development and mentorship.
  • Recall key culinary resources that support child nutrition operators to prepare and serve healthy, culinary inspired school meals.
  • Identify the process for requesting face-to-face culinary training and its requirements.

A continuing education certificate will be available 24 to 48 hours after the completion of the webinar.