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School Nutrition Bulletin 2021-29

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Announcements from the WI DPI School Nutrition Team (SNT)

  • Updates from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) School Nutrition Team

Updates from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) School Nutrition Team

 

Around the World in 80 Trays… this week!
The Around the World in 80 Trays event is this week! Use this week to introduce new flavors, create culturally inspired dishes, explore the tantalizing world of herbs and spices, and, most importantly, connect with your students! Visit the NSLP webpage for last minute ideas and inspiration, including USDA foods swaps and recipes for dips from around the world. Remember to share pictures and/or videos from the event and send to DPIFNS@dpi.wi.gov so we can share your success on social media!
 
3rd Annual Wisconsin Chili Lunch
Mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual Wisconsin Chili Lunch on February 25, 2021. Join schools, hospitals, colleges, business campuses and early care sites by using Wisconsin-grown products in your Wisconsin Chili Lunch throughout the month of February. This event encourages healthy eating and supports Wisconsin farms by increasing purchases of Wisconsin grown foods by institutions. Learn more, find creditable recipes and register for the event on the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems webpage.
 
Verification Information
The USDA released USDA Memorandum SP 04-2021 and USDA Memorandum SP 05-2021, which included guidance that the verification process is still required for all SFAs, regardless of the program operated for the school meal programs in school year (SY) 2020-21.
 
The Wisconsin DPI School Nutrition Team submitted a waiver to USDA to exempt SFAs operating the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) from the verification process. The USDA has not approved this waiver.
 
To ensure compliance with this requirement, all SFAs that received and processed USDA Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications as of October 1, 2020, regardless of the program operating, should move forward with completing the verification process and submitting the Verification Collection Report (VCR).
 
Although schools may have transitioned to SFSP/SSO operations or are not claiming meals under their own contract right now, and the outcome of verification will not impact a student’s ability to be provided a meal at no charge, verification is still necessary and required because school meal applications are used to establish eligibility for P-EBT, non-area eligible Afterschool Snack, and the Wisconsin School Day Milk Program.
A separate email was sent out on January 14, 2021 to SFAs that had not submitted the Verification Collection Report with more information and resources on the verification process.
 
Any SFA that did not receive new applications for SY 2020-21 as of October 1 is exempt from the verification process, but the Verification Collection Report is still required to be submitted.
 
Important Dates for Verification in SY 2020-21
Verification Process
  • The sample size determined for verification is based on the number of current, approved applications on file as of October 1, 2020. Carryover applications from SY 2019-20 are excluded. If no applications are on file as of October 1, only the Verification Collection Report is required.
  • The verification process must be completed by February 28, 2021.
Verification Collection Report (VCR)
  • SFAs may begin to report the outcome of verification in Online Services beginning November 1, 2020.
  • When completing the VCR, the total number of enrolled students is as of October 31, 2020.
  • The VCR must be submitted online no later than April 1, 2021.
Please contact any Nutrition Program Consultant if you have questions or need assistance.
 
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
 
This is a communication from the WI Department of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Team.
You can contact the School Nutrition Team at dpifns@dpi.wi.gov. To subscribe to schoolmealsnews, please send an email to dpifns@dpi.wi.gov.
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