School Nutrition Bulletin 2122-05

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 (SNT)

IMPORTANT REMINDER: July Claims Update

The DPI SNT is working diligently to update the Online Services claiming system to include the higher Summer Food Service Program reimbursement rates for SY 2021-22. As a result, the SY 2021-22 school nutrition contracts will not be approved until the system maintenance is completed to ensure all claims submitted receive the correct reimbursement rates. For any SFA that provided meals in July, this will delay your ability to submit the July claim(s). We anticipate that our claiming system update will be complete in August and will allow sufficient time to submit July claims within the 60 day period. Thank you for your patience!

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

USDA Policy Memorandum SP 19-2021: Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Operations for SY 2021-22 During COVID-19

Study of Nonresponse to the School Meals Application Verification Process

FNS conducted the Study of Nonresponse to the School Meals Application Verification Process to examine the accuracy of the current verification process, district practices when verifying applications for cause, and the ultimate results of the verification process, including the reasons why households do not respond to verification requests and how many households reapply.

Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review

The Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review Summary Report describes the components of the Farm to School Census and Comprehensive Review and synthesizes key findings from the reports listed below.

The 2019 Farm to School Census reached out to all public and private school food authorities (SFAs) that participated in the National School Lunch Program in SY 2018-19. The 2019 Farm to School Census Report summarizes findings from the 2019 Census and compares across SFA characteristics such as size, eligibility rates for free and reduced-price lunch, and urbanicity.

USDA Team Nutrition’s Back-to-School Support Kit

USDA Team Nutrition created the Back-to-School Support Kit of new resources on the following topics:

• Planning for a Dynamic School Environment During School Year 2021-22
  • Summary of Flexibilities
  • Table of Flexibilities
  • Flexibilities in Practice
• School Meals Supply Chain Issues During School Year 2021-22

USDA Webinar: Procurement Strategies for School Year 2021-22 for School Food Authorities (SFAs)

As SFAs work towards reopening for school year (SY) 2021-22, some school meal operators are concerned about possible challenges in purchasing and receiving food through their normal channels. For SY 2021-22, USDA has provided school meal program flexibilities, waivers, and training resources to help States and SFAs navigate supply chain issues and provide nutritious school meals that children need to learn, grow, and be healthy. States and SFAs are playing an important role in facilitating communication about supply chain issues and providing technical assistance to school meal operators. Join us for a webinar to discuss this important topic.

Accessibility: This webinar will have closed captioning available during the presentation. If another type of tool is needed to participate in this webinar, please email TeamNutrition@usda.gov by August 11, 2021 for assistance.

Date: Friday, August 13, 2021

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm CST

Registration: Register Here

USDA Webinar: Master the Professional Standards Training Tracking Tool (PSTTT)!

Team Nutrition is excited to present the latest enhancements to the Professional Standards Training Tracker Tool (PSTTT). Since the PSTTT was first released in November 2017, Team Nutrition has continuously worked to incorporate feedback to streamline the user experience. Join us for a live demonstration of the PSTTT, as well as an overview of the Professional Standards resources. Participants will learn about the benefits of using the PSTTT and these new features which allow directors, managers, and staff to prepare for the 2021-22 school year!

Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm CST

Registration: Register Here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If you are unable to attend the LIVE webinar, there will be a recording of the webinar announced and posted a few weeks after the webinar’s completion.

USDA Webinar: Planning for a Dynamic School Environment-Guidance for Meal Service Flexibilities for SY 2021-22

While many schools will return to their regular cafeteria meal service this year, some may continue with socially distant meal service models, such as grab-and-go meals or meals in the classroom. Some schools will provide a virtual learning option for students who are not ready to return to in-person learning this fall, for example, due to an increased risk of severe illness and/or special healthcare needs. To support schools in planning for a dynamic school environment, USDA has issued a set of nationwide waivers for School Year 2021-22. This webinar will help State agencies and local program operators learn more about the available flexibilities and discuss scenarios for implementing waivers for the upcoming school year.

Date: Thursday, August 26, 2021

Time: 1:00-2:00 pm CST

Registration: Webinar Access Information

Passcode: 482970

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

School Year (SY) 2021-22 Reimbursement Rates

The Reimbursement Rates for SY 2021-22 for the National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs document is attached to this email and rates are now posted on the SNT Financial Management Webpage.

This document also includes the reimbursement rates for the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) through the end of this calendar year. New rates for the remainder of the SY will be published at a later date.

Turnip the Beet! High Quality Summer Meals Award Program

Do not miss the opportunity to nominate your school or district for the USDA Turnip the Beet award! Turnip the Beet is a national award open to schools that operated the SFSP and/or SSO anytime between May 15-September 15, 2021. The award serves to recognize the service of high quality meals to children. To apply, submit a completed Nomination Form and a detailed one-month menu to dpifns@dpi.wi.gov by September 3, 2021.