Policy memo SP 05, SFSP 04-2021 Q&A-#4 includes additional guidance and clarification on school meal eligibility, Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program eligibility and use of program funds for sponsors operating the Summer Food Service Program, National School Lunch Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program this school year.
The Guide to Professional Standards for School Nutrition Programs is a resource that comprehensively outlines the required USDA Professional Standards for school nutrition professionals who manage and operate the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. This resource provides updated and user-friendly information on:
Hiring flexibilities under the Professional Standards requirements
Minimum educational criteria for hiring of new directors
Job categories
Training topics organized by key areas
Where to access training (including the Professional Standards Training Database)
Record-keeping requirements for training (including the Professional Standards Training Tracker Tool
The updated guide also introduces training reward badges, a fun way to promote training and recognize staff who have completed their annual training requirements. See Appendix D of the guide for more information and additional sticker pages. The guide is available on the Professional Standards webpage.
On Tuesday, Jan. 19, join the School Nutrition Association (SNA) and the Congressional Management Foundation for Advocating for SNA’s 2021 Position Paper. Attendees will hone messaging strategies to prepare for a successful 2021 Legislative Action Conference and advocacy-filled year. Effective advocacy is more critical than ever as we work to ensure sustainability and success for school nutrition programs.
On Thursday, Jan. 21, join SNA for Marketing Ideas to Help You SCORE BIG for Breakfast. This virtual event will include an exciting panel discussion with operators from across the country who will discuss how they have overcome obstacles while promoting school breakfast this year. Attendees will also learn engagement strategies for continuing nutrition education and farm-to-school efforts.
These webinars are free for SNA members and $20 for non-members. For webinar questions, contact education@schoolnutrition.org.
CDE’s School Nutrition Office welcomes Sarah McKasson as the Data and Evaluation Manager who will lead data and evaluation activities for the unit. Sarah comes to CDE from the University of Colorado School of Public Health. She will lead the team’s work building an effective data infrastructure, implementing evaluation plans and translating data into actionable recommendations through various data visualization techniques. Sarah can be contacted at 303-916-4437 or mckasson_s@cde.state.co.us.
