DPI SNT Unveils Exciting School Nutrition Updates

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's School Nutrition Team (DPI SNT) has revealed a range of exciting updates and resources to support school nutrition professionals. The team is providing updated resources, webcasts, and e-learning courses, as well as recognition for retiring school nutrition employees. Notably, the USDA has increased meal rates to enhance schools' ability to provide healthier meals. External opportunities, such as the Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant, are also available. With a focus on menu planning, nutrition education, and kitchen efficiency, the DPI SNT is committed to empowering schools to control their nutrition programs and provide students with the healthy meals they deserve - and there's more to explore.

Key Takeaways

• DPI School Nutrition Team announces updated resources, opportunities, and webcasts to support school nutrition professionals.
• USDA meal rates have increased, providing more funding for schools to improve their nutrition programs and offer healthier meals.
• The School Nutrition Team is actively supporting schools with menu planning, nutrition education, and training resources.
• External opportunities and resources are available, including the Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant and the Culinary Institute Webinar on Kitchen Efficiency.
• Important reminders include staying updated on SFSP rates, recognizing retiring school nutrition employees, and participating in the Lifecycle of Farm to School Workshop Series.

DPI SNT Announcements and Updates

Updated resources and opportunities are now available from the DPI School Nutrition Team, including webcasts and e-learning courses, recognition for retiring school nutrition employees, and a detailed Lifecycle of Farm to School Workshop Series. These DPI SNT initiatives demonstrate the team's commitment to supporting school nutrition professionals in their crucial roles.

The webcasts and e-learning courses provide valuable training and professional development opportunities, while the recognition program honors the dedication and service of retiring employees. The Lifecycle of Farm to School Workshop Series offers a thorough exploration of farm-to-school programming, ideal for schools looking to enhance their Summer meals outreach and overall nutrition programs.

Stay tuned for more updates and resources from the DPI SNT to support your school nutrition efforts.

USDA Rate Changes and Resources

In conjunction with the Department of Public Instruction's School Nutrition Team efforts, the USDA has published notable updates that impact school nutrition programs, including the SFSP Rates notice in the Federal Register.

These updates bring exciting opportunities for schools to enhance their nutrition programs. Specifically, the USDA rate changes include:

1. Lunch and supper meal rates increased by 24.5 cents.
2. Breakfast rates increased by 14.25 cents.
3. Updated rates for the current school year.
4. Funding opportunities for schools to improve their nutrition programs.

These changes provide a welcome boost to school nutrition programs, enabling them to provide healthier and more nutritious meals to students.

Take advantage of these updates and resources to elevate your school's nutrition program and provide the best possible experience for your students.

School Nutrition Team Updates

The Department of Public Instruction's School Nutrition Team has been actively supporting schools with a range of resources and opportunities. This includes webcasts, e-learning courses, and recognition for retiring school nutrition employees. These resources are designed to enhance menu planning and nutrition education, providing schools with the tools they need to succeed.

The team has also made training resources more accessible, focusing on culinary techniques to elevate school meals. By providing these resources, the School Nutrition Team is empowering schools to take control of their nutrition programs, ensuring that students receive the healthy meals they deserve.

With these updates, schools can expect to see improvements in their nutrition programs, ultimately benefiting the students they serve.

External Opportunities and Resources

Beyond the resources provided by the School Nutrition Team, there are numerous external opportunities and resources available to support schools in their nutrition programs, including webinars, grants, and workshops that can help enhance menu planning, nutrition education, and kitchen efficiency.

To take advantage of these opportunities, consider the following:

1. Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant: Apply for funding to create or expand a school garden, promoting hands-on nutrition education and fresh produce integration into meal programs.

2. Culinary Institute Webinar on Kitchen Efficiency: Register for this informative session to learn strategies for optimizing kitchen operations and streamlining food preparation.

3. School Nutrition S.T.A.R. Webinar Series: Join this detailed series to explore best practices in school nutrition, from menu planning to program management.

4. Lifecycle of Farm to School Workshop Series: Participate in these free workshops to develop a robust farm-to-school program, connecting students with local farmers and fresh, nutritious food.

Important Reminders and Contacts

To guarantee successful school nutrition program operations, don't forget to stay connected with the Department of Public Instruction's School Nutrition Team for timely guidance and support. We're here to help you navigate the complexities of school nutrition programs. Below, you'll find key reminders and contacts to keep in mind:

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Purpose of the Lifecycle of Farm to School Workshop Series?

The Lifecycle of Farm to School Workshop Series aims to promote Farm to School Benefits by empowering educators to integrate Nutrition Education Integration into their curricula, fostering a deeper understanding of local food systems and healthy eating habits among students.

How Do I Access the Online Learning Webpage for Webcasts and E-Learning Courses?

To start on a journey of culinary excellence, simply navigate to the Online Learning webpage, where a treasure trove of webcasts and e-learning courses awaits, providing effortless access to enrich your school nutrition expertise.

Can I Still Apply for the Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant This Year?

Applications for the Whole Kids Foundation Garden Grant will open soon, offering schools a chance to cultivate educational gardens, promoting hands-on learning, nutrition, and environmental awareness, with eligibility and application process details to be announced.

Are the School Nutrition S.T.A.R. Webinar Series and Culinary Institute Webinars Free?

Like a master chef seasoning a dish, the School Nutrition S.T.A.R. Webinar Series and Culinary Institute webinars bring flavor to your professional development, and the best part? Both are served up free of charge, offering a taste of expert knowledge to elevate your school nutrition updates.

How Do I Submit a Request for Recognition for a Retiring School Nutrition Employee?

To request recognition for a retiring school nutrition employee, please contact the DPI School Nutrition Team directly at dpifns@dpi.wi.gov, providing the employee's name, years of service, and a brief description of their contributions.