Wednesday, December 8, 2021
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)
- Other Updates and Information
Updates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Now Available in Print! Order Your Copies of the Guide to Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs
The updated Guide to Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs is now available to Order in Print from Team Nutrition. This resource provides school nutrition professionals with a comprehensive guide to all Professional Standards topics. It also provides useful information regarding available trainings in the Professional Standards Training Database and tracking annual training using the Professional Standards Training Tracker Tool (PSTTT).
Updates from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) School Nutrition Team (SNT)
1% Flavored Milk Guidance
On October 15, Congress extended the flexibility allowing low-fat (1%), flavored milk in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) through December 3, 2021. This flexibility has not been extended. Therefore, low-fat (1%) flavored milk may not be served as part of a reimbursable meal unless the SFA has an approved Meal Pattern Flexibility Waiver.
At the same time, Congress provided that funds made available by the Appropriations Act could not be used to procure raw or processed poultry products imported into the United States from the People’s Republic of China for use in the child nutrition programs. This prohibition was previously extended through December 3, 2021 and has also not been extended at this time.
Around the World in 80 Trays – New Recipes!
Check out the new Around the World in 80 Trays sample menu, including recipes! This full week menu highlights five cuisines, Oneida, Menomonie, Sonoran Desert, Afghan, and Norwegian. Remember to Take the Pledge and use the week of January 17-21, 2022 to create a meal! For more event information, visit the Around the World in 80 Trays Webpage.
Other Updates and Information
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Webinar Event Aims to Connect Wisconsin Farmers and Schools in Local Food Supply Chains
Gathering for a hearty meal is a rite of the holiday season. However, given supply chain issues, some favorite staples may have been in shorter supply this holiday season. Households are not the only ones struggling with supply shortages; school nutrition programs have also been scrambling to secure items.
To address this shortage, Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) are connecting the dots and hosting a “Bridging the Gap: Connecting Farm to School” webinar at noon on December 14, 2021. Join farmers and supply chain partners for an overview on how schools and farmers can work together to enhance access to locally grown products.
The webinar will include presenters from both DATCP and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI); two state agencies that have identified needs and opportunities for education around producers and local food businesses in working with schools.
“The past year unveiled weaknesses along the supply chain and reminded us of the value of strong local food systems,” said WFU Membership Engagement Director Kirsten Slaughter. “We’re glad to be able to bridge the gap and bring farmers together with school food service personnel to learn how we can get more nutritious, local food into school districts here in Wisconsin.”
Those involved in school food procurement, farmers, and local food suppliers interested in learning more about selling to local institutions are encouraged to attend. The program will provide information on Wisconsin School Procurement Methods, new policies, and waivers to assist in sourcing needs, DATCP and DPI Farm to School resources, and tools and tips on accessing markets and developing relationship-based sales.
“Wisconsin local food producers help feed their communities. Many schools are turning to our local food system partners because of their reliability and resilience. Our goal is to support these systems and collaborations between Wisconsin schools and producers in developing farm to school supply chains to provide nutrition through school meal programs,” said DATCP Farm to School and Institution Program Specialist April Yancer.
Date: December 14,2021
Time: 12:00 PM- 1:30 PM
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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. dpi.wi.gov/school-nutrition #WISchoolMealsRock