Tuesday Morning - March 16, 2021 An Update on Federal and State Policy Issues from SNATable of Contents COVID-19 Policy Updates USDA Announces the Extension of SFSP and SSO Waivers Federal Policy Thank You for Demonstrating the "Power of One, the Impact of Many" at #LAC21 USDA Secretary Vilsack Speaks at SNA's #LAC21 SNA Members Advocate for Equal Access to School Meals State Snapshots California Appropriates Funds to Increase Access to School Meal Programs Montana Introduces Lunch Shaming Legislation Mark Your Calendars Upcoming SNA Webinars Mystery Chat Corner COVID-19 Policy Updates USDA Announces the Extension of SFSP and SSO Waivers Last week, during SNA's Legislative Action Conference, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the extension of crucial COVID-19 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) waivers through September 30, 2021. These waivers include: Meal Pattern Flexibilities, First Week Site Visits for SFSP, Non-Congregate Feeding, Offer Versus Serve Flexibilities, Meal Service Time Restrictions, Parents/Guardians Meal Pick Up and Area Eligibility for Closed Enrolled Sites. Sec. Vilsack indicated a decision on SY 2021/22 waivers would be made in April. SNA is urging USDA to extend waivers through the end of SY 2021/21. Read SNA’s full press release. Back to the top School nutrition staff at La Habra City School District continue their dedication to serving students in the community, especially during National School Breakfast Week (NSBW). Federal PolicyThank You for Demonstrating the "Power of One, the Impact of Many" at #LAC21SNA was so excited to virtually almost 800 school nutrition professionals to the 49th Legislative Action Conference. This year's conference featured a wide array of exciting announcements, engaging speakers, and featured the latest developments in school nutrition programs. Read more.USDA Secretary Vilsack Speaks at SNA's #LAC21On Tuesday, March 9, #LAC21 attendees heard from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. During his virtual appearance, Secretary Vilsack thanked all school nutrition workers, state agencies and industry members for their dedication to serving students; he also announced the extension of critical waivers for school nutrition programs. SNA Members Advocate for Equal Access to School MealsOn March 10, nearly 800 school meal program operators from across the country held virtual meetings with their legislators, urging them to support school meals for all students at no charge and provide financial relief to offset continued school meal program losses. Read the press release. Back to the top State SnapshotsCalifornia Appropriates Funds to Increase Access to School Meal Programs AB 86 appropriates funds for eligible local educational agencies to support students in addressing learning barriers, including access to school breakfast and lunch programs.Montana Introduces Lunch Shaming Legislation HB 467 prohibits school personnel from taking disciplinary actions, including serving an alternate school meal, against a student who cannot pay for a school meal or has meal debt. Back to the top Mark Your Calendars Upcoming SNA Webinars Learn about hot topics in school nutrition and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) with SNA’s popular professional development webinars. If you missed a particular webinar, catch up with SNA’s on-demand webinars. School Nutrition, Food Allergies & Food Insecurity in the Pandemic Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 3:00 PM ET In this session, speakers will review the basics of food allergy management during the pandemic based on expert guidance; the intersection of food insecurity and food allergies; and the role of the school nutrition team. Sherry Coleman Collins is a registered dietitian, former school nutrition professional, and expert in food allergy management and will review the latest guidance from AAAAI on managing food allergies during the pandemic. Emily Brown is the president of Food Equality Initiative and the mother of a child with food allergies who works to help advocate for families managing food allergies who are also struggling with food insecurity and hunger. Jeremy Bergman is the Food Service Director of the New Castle Area Schools in New Castle, PA. He serves a diverse population of students and will share best practices and practical considerations for managing food allergens during the pandemic. Mystery Chat Corner On March 16, 1968, which former attorney general announced his presidential campaign in the Senate Caucus Room in the Capitol? A: Robert Kennedy Back to the top