Sponsors can begin or update Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) applications after the March training. Applications for new sponsors are due Thursday, April 15. Applications for returning sponsors are due Saturday, May 1. Sponsors currently operating should update their applications to ensure all information is accurate. Sponsors can view SFSP applications and claim resources on the How to Apply webpage.
School Nutrition is hosting two webinar training options for SFSP sponsors. Sponsors must attend only one of the two sessions to receive a training certificate but are encouraged to attend both training sessions. New sponsors should register for the Tuesday, March 30, training.
Thursday, March 25, from 2 to 3 p.m.: This training provides an overview of program requirements, current program flexibilities and strategies to operate a compliant summer program. Register here. This is the same registration link as the On the Menu Calls. If you have registered for these calls, use this link to join the training.
Tuesday, March 30, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.: This session builds on the March 25 training and provides more details on financial management, information on procurement practices, and resources to make the most of your summer program. Register here.
For questions or training accommodations (i.e. speaker notes), contact Alicia Grove at grove_a@cde.state.co.us or 720-795-2038.
PROGRAM UPDATES
Updated free and reduced-price meal eligibility disclosure agreement
Regulation (7 CFR 245.6 (f)(3) allows sponsors to disclose student eligibility statuses only to persons determined to be “directly connected” with the administration or enforcement approved programs.
The disclosure agreement template is a useful tool staff outside the local nutrition office use to initiate the process of receiving student meal eligibility data. The template includes clear language regarding processes for releasing student information and considerations for de-identification capability for online data systems.
A second round of Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) is making its way to Colorado! Last week, CDE and CDHS submitted a plan to USDA for the administration of additional P-EBT benefits for Colorado children, which is currently under review awaiting approval. The plan includes steps to distribute cards directly to eligible children (forgoing an application process) as well as grant opportunities for school food authorities (SFAs) to assist with related administrative duties. Once approved, CDE and CDHS will release further information. While awaiting approval, SFAs can:
Notify local IT staff that student data requests are imminent
Continue encouraging families to submit free and reduced-price meal applications
Encourage families to update all household information (i.e., address, email, and phone numbers)
If you haven't already, please fill out this brief survey by Thursday, March 25, to share your plans for program participation this summer, and let us know how School Nutrition can support you and your team with the anticipation of returning to the National School Lunch Program this fall. Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to provide your feedback.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
School Nutrition and Nourish Colorado meal quality training No. 4
Join School Nutrition and Nourish Colorado from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, for the fourth in a four-part series of interactive meal quality training sessions. This training builds upon concepts from prior sessions, dives deeper into time management terms, and describes how these practices can support summer programs and/or back to school plans. Food service directors and kitchen managers would benefit from attending this training. Register in advance for this training.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Chef Fernando and Chef Jessica from Nourish Colorado will be available from 1 to 2 p.m. for any tech support needed. For questions, contact McKenna Pullen at pullen_m@cde.state.co.us or 720-644-7259.
Attend the CDPHE, Cooking Matters, and Nourish Colorado meal pattern trainings
Program operators of Head Start or Early Childcare Programs can attend this training to understand program regulations, improve culinary skills, and connect with kids. Training participants must operate or be eligible for the CACFP meal program and work with children under the age of 6. Registration closes two weeks in advance as participants will receive supplies beforehand. Register and see training dates here.
Register for the Pandemic-Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) 2020-21 webinar
Attend one of the upcoming P-EBT webinars, which provide an overview of P-EBT issuance, showcases outreach materials, and describes the required student issuance data process. Both webinars will be recorded and cover the same information. Register for Wednesday, March 24, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. or for Thursday, April 1, from 2 to 3 p.m. The April webinar will have additional time for Q&A. For P-EBT questions, contact free&reducedpriceschoolmeals@cde.state.co.us.
For training questions or accommodations (i.e. speaker notes), contact Alicia Grove at grove_a@cde.state.co.us or 720-795-2038.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
COVID-19 state waiver implementation report now live
Nebraska Appleseed recently published a report entitled Federal COVID-19 Child Nutrition Waiver Implementation: Best Practices from Four States. This report looks at federal changes that allowed schools to feed students during the pandemic, implementation methods from Kansas, Iowa, Colorado and Nebraska, and policy recommendations to support more kids eating at school.
For questions, or to learn more, contact Eric Savaiano at esavaiano@neappleseed.org or 402-438-8853 ext. 126.
Host an AmeriCorps VISTA associate to support your summer meal program
USDA’s partners at Hunger Free America are in the process of recruiting organizations to host 10-week AmeriCorps VISTA associates to assist with outreach and implementation of summer meal programs and other anti-hunger and anti-poverty activities. If your organization or someone in your network would be interested in strengthening the fight against childhood hunger with an AmeriCorps VISTA associate, complete this short application form.
