Tuesday, October 10, 2023
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
Updates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reminder: USDA Produce Safety University 2024
The USDA Food and Nutrition (FNS) Food Safety Branch has opened nominations for 2024 Produce Safety University, or PSU. PSU is a one-week experiential learning program that immerses school nutrition professionals in the fresh produce supply chain and provides them with tools and knowledge to address real life scenarios, critically analyze and respond to food safety issues, and teach others critical produce safety concepts and practices. Participants learn to identify and manage food safety risks associated with fresh produce whether purchased from farmers or distributors, received whole or fresh-cut, or grown in a school garden. It will be delivered virtually and in person this year. This includes six sessions offered March-June 2024.
Session Dates and Locations
- March 12-13, 2024 - Virtual
- March 25-29, 2024 - Plant City, FL
- April 8-12, 2024 - Baton Rouge, LA
- April 29-May 3, 2024 - Fresno, CA
- May 20-24, 2024 - Denver, CO
- June 3-7, 2024 - New Rochelle, NY
More information about PSU and its impact can be found on the USDA Produce Safety University webpage.
The DPI School Nutrition Team can nominate up to four school nutrition professionals. If you are interested in being a possible nominee, complete the WI Produce Safety University Application by October 16, 2023 at 5:00 PM.
Updates from the DPI School Nutrition Team
Announcing the USDA 2023 School Breakfast Expansion Grant!
The School Breakfast Specialists are excited to announce that WI DPI was awarded the USDA FY23 School Breakfast Expansion Grant! The objective is to award subgrants to SFAs with qualifying schools to “improve quality and nutritional standards of breakfast foods served using less sodium and sugar and serving a variety of protein sources, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.”
For the purposes of this grant, a qualifying school means a school eligible for Severe Need Breakfast, in which 40 percent or more of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) lunches were served to students at the school were served free or at a reduced price. For the two-year grant period, SFAs may be eligible for up to $10,000 per school year.
The School Breakfast Specialists are hosting grant information sessions to review the grant objectives, qualifications, and requirements. Each SFA’s Food Service Director must attend an information session before the SFA may apply for the grant. To register for a session, check out the School Breakfast Program Expansion Grant webpage.
The School Breakfast Specialists are looking forward to collaborating with SFAs across Wisconsin on this exciting opportunity.
Reminder: Fall Training Opportunities
Utilizing the Cafeteria as a Classroom: Presented by the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN)
Join us for an in-person ICN training on Utilizing the Cafeteria as a Classroom. This course covers using the menu as a marketing tool and understanding how the cafeteria environment impacts student eating behaviors. Learn how to teach students about nutrition and healthy food choices. Register soon as enrollment is limited to 40 participants!
Date: Friday, October 27, 2023
Time: 9 – 1:00 PM
Location: Oak Creek-Franklin School District
Registration: Register for Utilizing the Cafeteria as a Classroom
LEAD to Succeed™ Navigating Difficult Conversations Training
The DPI School Nutrition Team, in conjunction with the Wisconsin School Nutrition Professionals Cooperative, is hosting a free training created specifically for School Nutrition Professionals to help improve communication skills in the workplace.
Date: Monday, October 16, 2023
Time: 9 - 12:00 PM
Location: DeForest Area School District Office
Registration: Register for LEAD to Succeed
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jill K. Underly, PhD, State Superintendent
125 S Webster Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-3390 • (800) 441-4563