School Nutrition Newsletter
February 17, 2021
Important Updates
New! IDOE Crediting Webinar Series in March
- IDOE will be hosting a series of webinars breaking down crediting for the different meal components.
- Each week will feature a different component (minus milk) and then the last week will be a wrap up discussing standardized recipes.
- Click here for more information and to register. Please note that registration is separate for each week.
- Be on the lookout for new resources that will go along with these trainings as well!
New and Updated inTEAM Resources!
- inTEAM has upgraded their eLearning platform!
- The website for accessing the eLearning courses has changed and can now be accessed at www.inteam-elearning.com.
- Click here for more information and frequently asked questions.
- Also, the recent Meal Pattern Basics and Variety, Color, Texture webinars have been posted on inTEAM for users to view!
- Questions? Contact inTEAM Support.
FSSA: P-EBT Cards Being Mailed
P-EBT cards are in the process of being mailed now.
How much will a student receive for P-EBT Benefits? The benefit amount is determined by the school based upon the number of days the student participated in virtual learning, was in quarantine, or was out of school due to COVID-19 illness or the school had a delayed start or closure. Individual eligibility is calculated by determining number of days eligible (based on above conditions) x $6.82 (USDA approved daily amount for free breakfast, lunch, and snack).
- Will each student receive the same P-EBT Benefit amount? No. Student eligibility is calculated based on the number of educational days missed by each student. Each eligible student will receive a new P-EBT card for the February issuance, mailed to the address reported by the school. The parents of each student will be informed to retain this card in case eligible for future P-EBT benefits. Newly identified students at each quarterly issuance would receive a new P-EBT card at the end of the quarter.
- Updated! Click here to view the updated FAQ.
- Visit the FSSA website for more information.
- Questions for FSSA? Email PEBTQ@fssa.in.gov. Please note that this e-mail is ONLY for school use and should not be given to parents.
Reminders
Don't forget! Nutrition News Bites Webinar Next Week!
- Don't forget! The February edition of the Nutrition News Bites will be next Wednesday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m.
- The Nutrition News Bites webinars go over important updates, reminders, and due dates for the upcoming month.
- Click here to register.
It's More than a Meal Application and Direct Certification!
- Schools should continue to run Direct Certification (DC) and process free and reduced meal applications for students.
- Even with the waivers making all meals free right now, free and reduced status is still extremely important for families to connect with many other resources such as P-EBT, qualifying schools for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), and more!
On Thursday, February 4, a new set of DC data was added in the DC/DV database.
All sponsors should download Current Months Matches to see if any new students have been Direct Certified for free or reduced benefits.
Questions about DC? Use the DC/DV Help Form and check out IDOE's DC website for helpful resources.
- Check out these resources from other states and organizations to help encourage households to still submit free and reduced applications:
- Hunger Free Colorado: How to Increase Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Participation
- Washington Dept. of Education: It's More than a Meal Application Toolkit
- FRAC: Strategies To Increase Applications for School Meals
- No Kid Hungry: Strategies to Maximize Completed School Meal Applications During COVID-19
Applications Due Soon for the School Food Service Employee of the Year
- Don't forget to nominate someone that you know works hard for their school, students, and/or community for the School Food Service Employee of the Year Award!
- Nominations are due Friday, March 5.
- Click here to access the nomination form.
- Questions? Contact Suzette Hartmann at shartman@doe.in.gov.
Serve on a School Nutrition Association (SNA) Committee or Council
Food Distribution Program
Pre-Order Survey
- HURRY! There are approximately three weeks left to complete the annual pre-order survey to request USDA Foods for the 2021-2022 school year.
- USDA Foods can decrease your school food budget by 15-20%.
- The survey closes Friday, March 12 at 4 p.m. EST.
- Once the survey closes, it cannot be reopened.
Deliveries Reminder
- Don't forget! If your school has placed an order for delivery, school staff must be there and available to receive the order.
- State assigned warehouses still deliver to schools even during inclement weather, unless there is a state or local emergency declared by officials.
- When school staff is unavailable, it causes drivers a great hardship when they have to solely rearrange and work around cases to deliver to other schools.
Contact Us
Indiana Department of Education - School and Community Nutrition
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this newsletter, please contact Allie Caito-Sipe at acaito@doe.in.gov, call (317) 232-0849, or toll-free at 1-800-537-1142 ext. 20849, or contact Ashley Heller at aheller@doe.in.gov, call (317) 232-0544, or toll-free at 1-800-537-1142 ext. 20544.
Miss a Weekly School Nutrition Newsletter? Click here to access previous newsletters!
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Website: https://www.doe.in.gov/nutrition
Phone: (317) 232-0850
Twitter: @EducateIN