You are here

School Nutrition Bulletin 2122-40

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Announcements from the WI DPI School Nutrition Team (SNT)

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

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

As many of you are aware, USDA is responding to an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in commercial and backyard birds in the United States. To date, there have been cases in 24 states. It is important to understand how we can all help prevent spread of this disease, so please review the information below and take precautions during any interactions with birds, especially on farms.

Some of the things you can do to protect the health of poultry and other birds in the United States include:

1. Do not go to a poultry farm unless it is necessary. If a farm visit is required, visit only one farm, plant, or feed mill per day.

2. After a visit to any farm, plant, or feed mill: wash the vehicle both outside and inside; wash clothing; and clean and disinfect shoes or boots.

3. Wear plastic slip-on boots and coveralls, and follow appropriate disposal protocols, to prevent the spread of HPAI. If coveralls are not available, be sure the clothing you wear is freshly washed.

4. Don’t enter a farm or complex without the owner present. If possible, call ahead to set up an appointment so that you can be escorted on and off the premises.

5. Always follow the owner or company’s biosecurity guidance and requirements.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recent HPAI detections Do Not Present an Immediate Public Health Concern, however, those who have direct contact with sick birds should take precautions to protect themselves to help ensure the virus is not transmitted to people. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. CDC has Additional Information about the risk to those who have job-related or recreational exposures to birds.

If you or someone you know believe that you may have been exposed to HPAI, please see CDC’s page, Information for People Exposed to Birds Infected with Avian Influenza Viruses.

As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

For information on biosecurity for backyard flocks, visit the Defend the Flock Program website.

Institute of Child Nutrition S.T.A.R. Webinar - Get Ready to Respond: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
Time: 2 -3:00 pm CST

Planning can help operators to be more equipped to protect themselves and others in response to natural disasters and weather-related events that may occur unexpectedly. The April STAR webinar will feature the USDA, FNS Office of Food Safety and the USDA, FNS Office of Emergency Management. The webinar will highlight food safety considerations to keep in mind during emergencies, including key tips and practices that aid in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery in school nutrition and foodservice operations. Using the information provided, operators and their school communities can come together and be ready for food safety emergencies they may face.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Webinar recordings can be found on ICN’s online course platform, iLearn, one week after the live webinar. Click here to register for the recorded webinar on iLearn.

Let Your Voice Be Heard: Help Shape the Next Dietary Guidelines!

Every five years, USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services partner to provide the latest, science-based nutrition guidance to empower Americans to make dietary choices that will improve their health and lifestyles. These guidelines are a cornerstone of federal nutrition policy, which we are leveraging to promote and elevate Nutrition Security. Poor nutrition is a leading cause of illness in the U.S. and by focusing on the quality of what we eat, we can help reduce diet-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease that impact historically underserved and marginalized communities.

Today, USDA and HHS kick off the process of developing the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans by posting proposed scientific questions for public comment.

Your feedback on the proposed questions – and throughout the development process for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans – will help us change lives and ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for all Americans. Our departments are committed to equity and transparency at every point in the process, which is why this first step starts with you – the public. The public comment period opens tomorrow. We invite you to read the Proposed Scientific Questions and comment before May 16, 2022, to inform the process from the very start!

Additional Resources:

 

Updates from the DPI School Nutrition Team
 

REMINDER: Small Victories Spring Training Live Event

Small Victories Spring Training is hosting a live event on April 20 at 2:00 pm CST. This event is a review of the eLearning trainings that are posted on the Small Victories Webpage. In addition, panelists will be available to answer questions you may have on the eLearning trainings. Please join us for this fun event. You will find the link for this event on the Small Victories Webpage.

Interactive Menu Planning Production Records

The Interactive Menu Planning Production Records for Breakfast and Lunch are under construction to incorporate the upcoming Meal Pattern Changes for the 2022-23 School Year and add new user-friendly features. Stay tuned and check our Production Records website for more information, additional Production Record Templates, and other resources.

Other Updates and Information
 

Pilot Light Food Education Fellowship

Feel free to pass along this opportunity to fellow teachers who are passionate about food education. Pilot Light created the Food Education Fellowship to invest in PreK-12 grade teacher leaders who are committed to bringing food education to their students.

The Pilot Light Food Education Fellowship for teachers for the 2022-23 school year. Teachers can Apply Here through May 23, 2022.

Pilot Light is looking for teachers who:

  • Have at least 2 years of teaching experience
  • Will be teaching in the United States in the 2022-23 school year
  • Are passionate about food education and supporting their students with skills and knowledge that promote healthy decision-making and advocacy
  • Want to use the Pilot Light model to engage their students in learning through the lens of food
  • Can commit to requirements outlined on the website including weekly lessons in their classroom, monthly professional development and evaluating the effects of food education in their classrooms.

Here is what Pilot Light invests in each fellow:

  • 26 hours of virtual professional development featuring industry experts
  • Regular collaboration with a chef or community partner in the food space to create relevant, real-world experiences for students
  • Earn professional development hours required for certification (Illinois teachers only).
  • One-on-One Support and Coaching
  • $2,000 stipend for participation and evaluation + $250 for classroom materials
----------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jill K. Underly, PhD, State Superintendent
125 S Webster Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-3390 • (800) 441-4563