Tuesday, June 11, 2024
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)
Healthy Meal Incentives Recognition Award
Congratulations to the WI Healthy Meals Incentives (HMI) Recognition Award winners from May 2024.
|
School Food Authority Name |
Recognition Award Type |
|
North Crawford School District |
Small or Rural School Food Authority Breakfast Trailblazer |
|
School District of Beloit Turner |
Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals |
|
School District of Stockbridge |
Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals |
More information about these awardees will be available soon at the Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awardee Spotlight Webpage. Please note, Action for Healthy Kids will send Awardees a congratulatory letter and Recognition Award certificate signed by USDA Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Acting Under Secretary, Kumar Chandran, via email. Awardees will also receive a Communications Toolkit including promotional resources to help publicize their success to local media and the local school community.
Partners Webinar on the Expanded Geographic Preference Option in the Final Rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Thursday, June 20, 2024
1 – 2:00 PM CST
USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Patrick Leahy Farm to School Team (USDA Farm to School Team) will host a webinar for farm to school partners, including Child Nutrition Program (CNP) operators, on the expanded geographic preference option in the final rule, Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The final rule includes a small yet significant expansion of the geographic preference provision. Beginning July 1, 2024, the provision will permit CNP operators to use local as a specification when procuring unprocessed agricultural products. The USDA Farm to School Team will provide an overview to help farm to school partners share and learn about the expanded geographic preference option.
Registration for the PSU Webinar: Destination Specification!
Friday, June 14, 2024
2 – 3:30 PM CST
In this Produce Safety University (PSU) Continuing Education Webinar: Destination Specification! we will transport you into the essential world of produce specifications. Food Safety Specialists from the USDA-FNS Food Safety Branch will lead a live discussion with experts from the produce industry, school food service, and USDA-AMS produce procurement. Participants will hear from these experts on best practices for developing and using specifications, real-world tips and tricks, history, and perspectives from different sides of the produce supply chain.
Participants will also have an opportunity for a live 30-minute Q&A session with the panel following the moderated discussion.
Learning Objective(s):
By the end of this webinar, attendees will:
- Gain a higher level of knowledge on how to utilize product specifications for procurement of fresh and processed produce.
- Recognize the importance of developing positive relationships with government and industry to be successful in receiving quality produce for their school nutrition programs.
- Gain further knowledge on best practices in communicating their needs regarding produce quality
- Understand the value in writing clear and concise produce specifications that ensure a consistent supply of quality produce for school nutrition programs.
Participants may submit questions in advance about produce safety in school nutrition programs to: ProduceSafetyUniversity@usda.gov
SNA Key Area(s): 2 – Operations
USDA Professional Standards Code(s): 2400 – Purchasing/Procurement, 2500 – Receiving & Storage, 2600 – Food Safety & HACCP, 3200 – Program Management, 3300 – Financial Management, 4000 – Communications & Marketing
Updates from the DPI School Nutrition Team
Final Reminder: School Nutrition Contract Renewal
Contract renewals are due on June 14, 2024, for all school food authorities (SFAs) participating in any USDA School Nutrition Programs. For questions refer to the email sent on 05-09-2024 or contact DPIFNS@dpi.wi.gov.
Boost your Skills at School Nutrition Summer Training (SNST) 2024 - Register Now!
As a reminder, registration for School Nutrition Summer Training (SNST) 2024 is OPEN!
We are thrilled to offer new and exciting in-person courses this year, including Managing Personalities and Conflict, Preparing for Your School Kitchen Health Inspections, and a Keynote Address from the KwikTrip Public Relations Liaison.
New this year, don't miss our special networking session! This is a fantastic opportunity for School Nutrition Professionals to mix, mingle, and network while enjoying light refreshments. Meet your peers, share stories, and make valuable connections that can benefit your career.
ServSafe courses and exams will be available at the in-person event.
Select sessions will be hosted virtually, separate from the in-person conference, for added flexibility and additional learning opportunities.
For details and registration, visit the School Nutrition Summer Training Webpage. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jill K. Underly, PhD, State Superintendent
125 S Webster Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 266-3390 • (800) 441-4563