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School Nutrition Bulletin 2223-24

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Announcements from the WI DPI School Nutrition Team (SNT)


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

 

USDA Policy Memorandum SP 02-2023: Determining Eligibility for Severe Need Reimbursement for the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and the Two Cent Differential for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in School Year (SY) 2023-24

On January 23, 2023, USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) released SP 02-2023, Determining Eligibility for Severe Need Reimbursement for the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and the Two Cent Differential for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in School Year (SY) 2023-24. This guidance clarifies how to determine eligibility for the severe need reimbursement rates for the School Breakfast Program and the two cent differential reimbursement in the National School Lunch Program during School Year 2023-24.

Program operators should direct any questions concerning this guidance to their State agency.

Proposed Rule-Child Nutrition Programs: Revision to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Yesterday, February 7, 2023, the Proposed Rule Child Nutrition Programs: Revision to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was published by the Federal Register.

Based on the latest nutrition science and extensive feedback from our school meal partners, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is proposing updates to the school nutrition standards in a few key areas to give children the right balance of nutrients for healthy and appealing meals. The proposed updates reflect the goals of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as required by law, and build in plenty of time for planning and implementation to ensure the school meals community and the children they serve are set up for success.

This proposed rule is the next step in an Ongoing Effort toward healthier school meals that USDA and the broader school meals community have been partnering on for well over a decade.

The comment period is open until April 10, 2023. A summary of the proposed revisions can be found on USDAs Proposed Updates to the School Nutrition Standards webpage under Resource Materials.

Register Now! Proposed Rule Webinar for School Food Authority (SFA) Staff

Date: Tuesday, February 21
Time: 2-3 PM EST

Advanced registration is required.


Other Updates and Information
 

Whole Kids Foundation: Garden Grant Program

New year, new gardens! Kids who grow veggies, eat veggies, so gardens can make a big difference. Through our Garden Grant Program, schools and non-profit organizations turn outdoor spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity and support classroom curriculum. Prepare for the application window, open February 1 through March 1, with a variety of webinars, view a sample application and more!

Q&A Webinar There is a webinar for all applicants on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM CST.

New Study on School Garden-Based Nutrition, Cooking Interventions, and Child Health

According to a New Study published in The Journal of American Medical Association Network Open, school garden-based interventions can improve blood sugar and reduce bad cholesterol in children. This research program provided 3,302 children at low-income elementary schools with majority Hispanic students innovative ways to learn about school gardens, nutrition, and cooking interventions. The researchers measured the effects of the program on childhood obesity markers, dietary intake, diet related behaviors, physical activity levels, and school performance. The study found a reduction in blood sugar levels and a reduction in bad cholesterol, indicating a reduced risk of diabetes and prediabetes among the target population. Based on the results, the authors recommend more elementary schools include garden-based interventions in their curriculum.

Free Webinar! Strategies for Heart-Healthy Living


Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Time: 1–2:00 PM CST

The Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) is hosting a special webinar for American Heart Month. Join us to hear Dr. Catherine M. Champagne from the American Heart Association highlight the latest strategies for living a heart-healthy life. Dr. Champagne will also highlight resources and tools that support good heart health in adults and children.February is American Heart Month. It's a time to learn about heart disease and how to take care of our hearts. Heart disease is the most common cause of death for men and women in the United States. During this month, people are encouraged to learn about the risk factors and warning signs of heart disease and to take steps to improve their heart health. Some examples include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Objectives:

  • Define the meaning of heart-healthy living as it relates to good health and wellness.
  • Describe at least four strategies for living a heart-healthy life.
  • Provide user-friendly resources and/or tools that support good heart health in adults and children.

SNA Key Area(s): 1 – Nutrition
USDA Professional Standard Code(s): General Nutrition, 1300

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Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jill K. Underly, PhD, State Superintendent
125 S Webster Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-3390 • (800) 441-4563