Tuesday Morning - October 13, 2020 An Update on Federal and State Policy Issuesfrom SNATable of ContentsCOVID-19 Policy Updates USDA Extends SFSP/SSO Waivers Through SY 2020-21 CBPP and FRAC Publish Analysis of State P-EBT Federal Policy Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act Team Nutrition Creates Training Modules for New Food Buying Guide State Snapshots Pennsylvania to Introduce Legislation to Support Food Service WorkersMark Your Calendars Upcoming SNA Webinar Upcoming FRAC Webinar Mystery Chat Corner COVID-19 Policy Updates USDA Extends SFSP/SSO Waivers through SY 2020-21On October 9, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the extension of all Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) waivers, allowing schools to offer meals to all children at no charge through the end of the 2020-21 school year. View USDA’s guidance on the waiver extensions. USDA’s press release included a quote from SNA President Reggie Ross, SNS. SNA has consistently advocated for these critical waivers to ensure school meal programs have the flexibility to adapt meal service in the event of unanticipated school closures or changes in learning models during the pandemic. This announcement comes after passage of the Continuing Resolution by Congress, granting authority and funding to extend school meal waivers. These waivers also permit schools to allow parents to collect multiple days' worth of grab-and-go meals at curbside pick-up locations, so distance learners can safely and conveniently access meals for the week. Read SNA’s press release. Back to the top CBPP and FRAC Publish Analysis of State P-EBTThe Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) and the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) published the report "Lessons From Early Implementation of Pandemic-EBT." This report documents the implementation of Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) over the summer of 2020. This report found that despite the challenges of COVID-19, states were able to deliver this new benefit to those children eligible during the Spring and Summer of 2020. Read the full report. Back to the top SNA President Reggie Ross, SNS, serving school meals to students at a drive-thru meal site for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Federal PolicyMilitary Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act On October 7, 2020, U.S. Representatives Susan Davis (CA-53) and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced H.R. 8534, the Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act. This bill would authorize the Department of Defense (DOD) to alert those state agencies overseeing school meal programs to directly certify the children of eligible active duty service members. The child dependents of active military families who earn less than 185% of the federal poverty line would be automatically enrolled in free and reduced-price meal program. Read Congressmen Levin’s full press release. Back to the top Team Nutrition Creates Training Modules for New Food Buying Guide Team Nutrition has released three new interactive training modules for Child Nutrition Programs on the Food Buying Guide (FBG). Each module contains step-by-step instructions on how to use the FBG. It covers topics such as meal pattern requirements for each Child Nutrition Program, including handy reference charts and tables. Back to the top State Snapshots Pennsylvania Introduces Legislation to Support Food Service Workers HB 2910 provides compensation and healthcare protection to support and preserve the Education Support Professionals (ESP), including bus drivers, food service workers, nurses, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Back to the top Mark Your Calendars Upcoming SNA Webinar Next month, join us for the next webinar in SNA’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Series and learn about creating a more inclusive environment. If you missed a particular webinar, catch up with SNA’s on-demand webinars. How to Become a More Inclusive Team Member Thursday, November 5, 2020, 3:00 pm ET Everyone wants to work on a team where they feel welcome, respected, and valued. Join us for a webinar designed to do just that—and created especially for the heart of every K-12 foodservice team—school nutrition employees and frontline staff. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expert, Dr. Nika White, will provide guidance to help you create a more inclusive environment. She’ll also unlock the secrets to great teamwork and share how you can take small steps that will make a BIG difference every day! Back to the top Upcoming FRAC Webinar In light of virtual school day models and reduced capacity for in-person afterschool programs, many schools and out-of-school time partners are innovating and tweaking operations in order to continue providing enrichment and nutrition, regardless of the physical setting. On Thursday, October 22, 2020, 3:00 pm ET, join the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) for the webinar " Adding Afterschool Meals to Your Operations." Learn how to leverage existing afterschool nutrition waivers and flexibilities to expand the reach of afterschool suppers and snacks, as well as tips and tricks for planning for the rest of the school year. Back to the top Mystery Chat Corner On October 13, 2019, which female gymnast became the world’s most decorated gymnast in history after winning her 25th medal at the World Championships in Germany? A: Simone Biles Back to the top