Tuesday Morning - March 9, 2021 An Update on Federal and State Policy Issues from SNATable of Contents COVID-19 Policy Updates DOE Secretary Publishes Letter on Reopening Schools Federal Policy Stay Tuned at #LAC21 for Remarks from Special Guest Federal Register: Team Nutrition Database Federal Register: Income Eligibility Guidelines State Snapshots California Drafts Bill Creating a Statewide "School Breakfast Week" New York Introduces Food Waste Prevention and Diversion Act Vermont Presents Legislation Requiring Anti-Bias Training n Mark Your Calendars Upcoming SNA Webinars Mystery Chat Corner COVID-19 Policy Updates DOE Secretary Publishes Letter on Reopening SchoolsOn March 3, U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Secretary Miguel Cardona published a letter outlining his and the Administration's determination to reopen schools. In the letter, he outlines the essential role schools play in students' health and welfare. Also, Secretary Cardona outlines his commitment to expanding access to education and afterschool programs. Read the full letter. Back to the top The school nutrition service professionals at Argyle Independent School District in Texas continue to serve nutritious school meals to their community. Federal PolicyStay Tuned at #LAC21 for Remarks from Special GuestAlright, alright, alright. If you haven’t already heard, #LAC21 attendees will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit live with a special celebrity guest who will share a few words of thanks for all you do. The session will not be recorded, so be sure to tune into LAC on at 1:45 p.m. EST Tuesday.Federal Register: Team Nutrition DatabaseOn March 4, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published the Federal Register notice "Agency Information Collection Activities: Team Nutrition Database." This notice is a comment collection regarding FNS's Team Nutrition Database, which is used to communicate releases and updates of Team Nutrition resources. Comments are due by May 3, 2021. Federal Register: Income Eligibility GuidelinesOn March 4th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published the Federal Register notice "Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines." This notice announces USDA's annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines that will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price meals and free milk for the period from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. Back to the top State SnapshotsCalifornia Drafts Bill Creating a Statewide "School Breakfast Week" ACR 38 would designate March 8, 2021, to March 12, 2021, as School Breakfast Week and recognizes the importance of school nutrition programs and their staff in addressing students' needs.New York Introduces Food Waste Prevention and Diversion Act A 5747 requires all public facilities and schools to institute food waste prevention measures and requires facilities that generate excess food waste to take steps to minimize such waste. Vermont Presents Legislation Requiring Anti-Bias Training H 163 requires schools and unions to provide mandatory annual anti-bias professional development training to all school district members, including food service works. 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 9, 1963, which soon-to-be world-famous British rock band began their first tour around the United Kingdom? A: The Beatles Back to the top