Food and Nutrition Services Newsletters

Food & Nutrition Services Newsletters

November 26, 2024 

November 26, 2024 

  • Welcome New DESE Food and Nutrition Services Staff!
    • Region Map and Contact List
    • Sierra Walsh, Nic Gorham, Naomi Collier, Bobbi Cole, Bonnie Etter, Heidi Garlin
  • Important School Nutrition Requirements and Resources
    • Updates to 2 CFR Part 200 Federal Uniform Guidance
      • Background and Resources
    • Fees for Electronic Payment Services in the School Meal Programs
    • New Training Series from Team Nutrition: The Road to Successful Menu Planning for School Meals
    • Additional Training Resources
  • Farm to School
    • Local Food for Schools (LFS) Grant
      • How to Apply / QR Code  
      • Congrats to Schools that have previously been awarded LFS funds
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Missouri HealthNet Form – Attachment M
    • Verification Information for 24/25 SY
    • And Justice for All Posters Update
    • Administrative Reviews
  • Shoutout to Marshfield R-1
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Bonus Direct Delivery for 24/25 SY
      • Items Currently Available for Bonus
    • Cancellations, Delays and Substitutions
    • Be Aware – Goldstar Delivery Charge
    • Upcoming Missouri Commodity Foods Expos
      • Kansas City – February 5, 2025
      • St. Louis – February 18, 2025
  • Happy Thanksgiving!
September 30, 2024

September 30, 2024

  • National School Lunch Week (NSLW)
    • #NSLW24 will be celebrated October 14-18, 2024.
  • Farm to School
    • October is Farm to School Month
    • Farm to School Education Opportunity at MSNA
    • Local Food for Schools (LFS) Grant
  • Important School Nutrition Requirements and Resources
    • 4-Day Schools- When School’s Out: Child Nutrition Options for Kids
    • Unpaid Meal Charges
    • New CICN Culinary Resources and Trainings
    • Meal Talk Webinar Series
    • Reimbursement Rates
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Verification Information for 24/25 SY
    • Administrative Reviews
    • FY 2024 Equipment Grant Awardees
  • USDA Foods Update
    • New Director of Food Distribution, Rick Kenkel
    • USDA Foods Pre-packet Survey – Coming Soon
    • Cancellations, Delays and Substitutions
      • Pears, Sliced Canned 100224
      • Reduced Fat Sliced American Cheese 100036
      • Turkey Breast, Sliced – 110554 and 110910
    • Bonus Direct Delivery for 24/25 SY
    • Gold Star Deliveries
    • Value Letters
    • Entitlement Estimation Letters
    • DOD Updates
      • Receipting Items in FFAVORS
    • Save the Date – 2025 Commodity Expos 
July 9, 2024

July 9, 2024

  • Summer Workshop Information and Registration
    • Southwest MO Local Food Bus Tour
  • Equipment Grant FY 2024 Funding Opportunity
    • Equipment Grant Ineligible List
    • Equipment Grant Letter
    • Equipment Grant Application
    • Friday, July 12, 2024 Deadline
  • Missouri SuN Bucks (Summer EBT)
    • Helping Families Access Food During the Summer
    • SuN Bucks Resources
  • Important School Nutrition Requirements and Resources
    • Let’s Talk Recordings
    • Free and Reduced Price Application and Direct Certification Information and Procedures 2024-25 Handbook
    • Flavored Milk Can Remain on School Lunch Menus
    • National CACFP Sponsors Association Webpage
    • Update to MyPlate
  • Reminders and Important Information
  • Supply Chain Assistance Funding for Schools
  • Turnip the Beet 2024 Nomination Packet   
  • Farm to School
  • Local Food for Schools Grant Open
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Fair Share Bonus Fresh Apples – 110151 Various Varieties
    • Value Letters
    • Net off Invoice Reminders
    • Reminder about ANC
    • Donated Foods Summer Workshop Sessions
    • Black Bean (100359) Update
    • August Deliveries
    • Product Substitutions
    • DOD Updates
    • Bonus Direct Delivery for 24/25 SY  
June 10, 2024

June 10, 2024 

NSLP Funding Opportunities

  • 24/25 SY Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) Information
    • Informational Letter
    • Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Deadline
  • FY 2024 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant Information
    • Equipment Grant Ineligible List
    • Equipment Grant Letter
    • Equipment Grant Application
    • Friday, July 12, 2024 Deadline
  • Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award Winners!
    • Belton School District 124
    • Northeast Vernon County R1
  • Missouri SuN Bucks (Summer EBT)
    • Helping Families Access Food During the Summer
    • Missouri SuN Bucks Letter to Schools
  • Important School Nutrition Requirements and Resources
    • NOW AVAILABLE!  Free and Reduced Price Application and Direct Certification Information and Procedures 2024-25 Handbook
    • Updates to Nutrition Standards were announced by USDA on April 24, 2024
    • Flavored Milk Can Remain on School Lunch Menus
    • National CACFP Sponsors Association Webpage
    • Update to MyPlate
  • Let’s Talk – Upcoming Webinar
    • Wednesday, June 12th, 2024 / 1:30-3:30pm
    • Topics Include
      • 2024-25 SY Paid Lunch Equity Tool
      • Pricing Adult Meals
      • Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Packet
  • Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Tool & Guidance
  • Non-Congregate Meals - Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Summer Workshops 2024 – Registration Coming Soon!
    • REMINDER: Local Wellness Policy and Triennial Assessment Guidance 
    • REMINDER: Residential Child Care Institute (RCCI) Training Resources
    • CEP Reminder
    • Food Service Management Company (FSMC) Final Contract Year Info 
  • Supply Chain Assistance Funding for Schools
  • Turnip the Beet 2024 Nomination Packet   
  • Farm to School
  • Local Food for Schools Grant Open
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Bonus Fresh Apples – 110151 Various Varieties
    • Net off Invoice Pounds
    • DOD Updates
    • Donated Foods Summer Workshop Sessions
    • SY23-24 Value Letter
May 14, 2024

May 14, 2024

  • Missouri SuN Bucks (Summer EBT)
    • Helping Families Access Food During the Summer
    • Missouri SuN Bucks Letter to Schools
  • Important School Nutrition Information and Resources
    • NOW AVAILABLE!  Free and Reduced Price Application and Direct Certification Information and Procedures 2024-25 Handbook
    • Updates to Nutrition Standards were announced by USDA on April 24, 2024
    • Let's Talk Tuesday
    • USDA Releases Establishing the Rural Non-Congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs Interim Final Rule: Comment Period Open
  • Feeding Missouri’s Children Summer 2024
    • Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
    • Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
  • Supply Chain Assistance Funding for Schools Round 4
    • Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) FAQ Updated
    • LEA Lookup Tool
    • Attestation/Questionnaire for FSMC Schools Only
  • Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Tool & Guidance
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Summer Workshops 2024
    • CEP Reminder
    • Food Service Management Company (FSMC) Final Contract Year Info 
  • Advocacy News
    • Missouri Schools Meals Act
    • School Nutrition Association
  • Farm to School
    • Local Food for Schools Grant Open
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Bonus Fresh Apples – 110151 Various Varieties
    • Gold Star Live Inventory End of Year Deliveries
    • Net off Invoice Pounds
    • DOD Updates
    • Donated Foods Summer Workshop Sessions
April 12, 2024

April 12, 2024

  • School Lunch Hero Day – May 3, 2024
  • Feeding Missouri’s Children Summer 2024
    • Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
    • Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
  • Important School Nutrition Information and Resources
    • Annual Civil Rights Training
      • And Justice for All Posters
    • USDA Releases Establishing the Rural Non-Congregate Option in the Summer Meal Programs Interim Final Rule: Comment Period Open
  • Supply Chain Assistance Funding for Schools Round 4
    • Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) FAQ Updated
    • LEA Lookup Tool
    • Attestation/Questionnaire for FSMC Schools Only
  • Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Tool & Guidance
  • Advocacy News
    • Proposed Rules
    • Missouri Schools Meals Act
    • School Nutrition Association
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Summer Workshops 2024
    • CEP Reminder
    • Last Call: Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative School Food System Transformation Challenge Sub-Grants!
    • Food Service Management Company (FSMC) Final Contract Year Info 
  • Farm to School
    • Local Food for Schools Grant Open
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Bonus Fresh Apples – 110151 Various Varieties
    • Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Bonus
    • Gold Star Live Inventory End of Year Deliveries
    • Net off Invoice Pounds
    • DOD Usage in Summer School
March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

  • Feeding Missouri’s Children Summer 2024
    • Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
    • Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
  • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Mid-Year Election Opportunity 
    • Deadline to Implement Mid-Year is March 31, 2024
  • Advocacy News
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Food Service Management Company (FSMC) Final Contract Year Info 
    • Supply Chain Assistance Payments
  • Important School Nutrition Information and Resources
    • Residential Child Care Institution (RCCI) Resources
    • Let’s Talk Recordings
    • Wellness Webpage Guidance
    • Food Buying Guide Updates
      • Interactive flow chart on using the preparation yield
      • An Ounces to Pounds Calculator
      • New foods are available in the FBG!
    • Training Opportunities for School Nutrition Program Directors
    • Professional Standards and Training
  • Farm to School
    • Local Food for Schools Grant Open
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Direct Delivery – Peas, Frozen 110763
    • Gold Star Live Inventory End of Year Deliveries
    • Advertising Direct Delivery Foods
    • Net off Invoice Pounds
    • NOI Bonus
    • DOD Bonus
    • Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Bonus
February 29, 2024

February 29, 2024

  • 2024 National School Breakfast Week
    • #NSBW24 will take place March 4-8, 2024
  • Feeding Missouri’s Children Summer 2024
    • No Kid Hungry Summer Meals Grant
    • Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
  • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Mid-Year Election Opportunity 
    • Deadline to Implement Mid-Year is March 31, 2024
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Food Service Management Company (FSMC) Final Contract Year Info 
    • Supply Chain Assistance Payments
    • Residential Child Care Institute (RCCI) Training 
      • Thank you for attending
      • RCCI Manual and Presentation linked on RCCI Resources page
  • Important School Nutrition Information and Resources
    • Let’s Talk Recordings
    • Wellness Webpage Guidance
    • Food Buying Guide Updates
      • Interactive flow chart on using the preparation yield
      • An Ounces to Pounds Calculator
      • New foods are available in the FBG!
    • Training Opportunities for School Nutrition Program Directors
    • Professional Standards and Training
  • Farm to School
    • Thank you for attending Cape Girardeau Farm to School Training
    • Local Food for Schools Grant Open
  • USDA Foods Update
    • 24/25 USDA Foods Packet due March 1
    • Commodity Expo Post Survey
    • Gold Star Live Inventory
    • Advertising Direct Delivery Foods
    • Let’s Talk Tuesday – Commodity 101
    • Net off Invoice Pounds
    • NOI Bonus
    • DOD Bonus
    • Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Bonus
February 9, 2024

February 9, 2024

  • Let’s Talk Tuesday – Upcoming Webinars 
    • Save the Date – February 13th
    • Commodities 101: 1-2pm CST
    • POS / Menu Documentation: 2-3pm CST
    • January 16th Let’s Talk Tuesday Recording is now available on the Trainings Page
  • Farm to School Information and Grant Opportunities
    • Bringing the Farm to School – Local Producer, School and ECE Introduction
    • Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools and ECEs Grant
  • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Mid-Year Election Opportunity
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Verification Report
    • Supply Chain Assistance Payments
  • Important School Nutrition Information and Resources
    • Food Buying Guide Updates
      • Interactive flow chart on using the preparation yield
      • An Ounces to Pounds Calculator
      • New foods are available in the FBG!
    • MO Healthy Schools new website
    • Legislative Action Conference (LAC) March 3-5, 2024 – Washington, DC
    • Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) – Reimbursement Rates
    • Team Nutrition Recipes
    • Missouri Healthy Schools Conference – February 21-23, 2024 – Lake Ozark, MO
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Urgent Message - 24/25 USDA Foods Packet – REVISED
    • Gold Star Live Inventory
    • Advertising Direct Delivery Foods
    • Let’s Talk Tuesday – Commodity 101, February 13th
    • Net off Invoice Pounds
    • 24/25 Entitlement           
    • NOI Bonus
    • DOD Bonus
    • Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Bonus
January 31, 2024

January 31, 2024

  • Move Across Missouri 2024 Program
  • Farm to School Information and Grant Opportunities
    • Bringing the Farm to School – Local Producer, School and ECE Introduction
    • Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools and ECEs Grant
    • Local Food for Schools (LFS) Grant
    • Surplus of Precooked Black Beluga Lentil Pouches – Processed Springfield, MO
  • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Mid-Year Election Opportunity
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Verification Report
    • Supply Chain Assistance Payments
    • RCCI Training – Friday February 16th
  • Let’s Talk Tuesday – Upcoming Webinar
    • Save the Date 2/13/2024
    • Food Distribution and School Nutrition Programs Topics
  • Important School Nutrition Information and Resources
    • MO Healthy Schools new website
    • Legislative Action Conference (LAC) March 3-5, 2024 – Washington, DC
    • Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) – Reimbursement Rates
    • Team Nutrition Recipes
    • Missouri Healthy Schools Conference – February 21-23, 2024 – Lake Ozark, MO
  • Rural Non-congregate Summer
  • USDA Foods Update
    • 24/25 USDA Foods Packet
    • Upcoming Missouri Commodity Foods Expos/Registration
      • Kansas City – February 7, 2024
    • Let’s Talk Tuesday – Commodity 101, February 13th
    • Net off Invoice Pounds
    • 24/25 Entitlement           
    • NOI Bonus
    • DOD Bonus
    • Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Bonus
    • Diced Peaches 100220
January 5, 2024

January 5, 2024

  • December USDA State Agency Meeting – Washington, DC
  • Farm to School Grant Opportunities
    • Local Food for Schools (LFS) Grant
    • USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant
  • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Mid-Year Election Opportunity
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Verification Report
    • Food Service Management Contract (FSMC) Renewals
    • Procurement Review Information
    • Food and Nutrition Services Staff Updated Contact Information
      • Food and Nutrition Services Contact Information
      • Food and Nutrition Services Region Map
  • Let’s Talk Tuesday – Upcoming Webinar
    • Save the Date 1/16/2024
    • Food Distribution and School Nutrition Programs Topics
  • Applications Open for Innovation and Partnership in Rural School Food Systems
  • USDA Foods Update
    • 24/25 USDA Foods Packet
    • Upcoming Missouri Commodity Foods Expos/Registration
      • St. Louis – January 31, 2024
      • Kansas City – February 7, 2024
    • Let’s Talk Tuesday – Commodity 101, February 13th
    • 24/25 Entitlement           
    • NOI Bonus
    • DOD Bonus
    • Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Bonus
    • Diced Peaches 100220
    • Peanut Butter has arrived
December 20, 2023

December 20, 2023

  • Local Food for Schools (LFS) Grant
  • Farm to School Census
  • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Mid-Year Election Opportunity
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • SNP Financial Report
      • Financial Report Definitions
      • ASBR Mapping Resources
      • Financial Report Instructions
      • Schools that contract with a Food Service Management Company (FSMC)
      • Adjustment to balance
      • Indirect Cost Rate
        • Indirect Cost memo
        • Indirect Cost Guidance
    • Verification Report
    • Food Service Management Contract (FSMC) Renewals
    • Food and Nutrition Services Staff Updated Contact Information
      • Food and Nutrition Services Contact Information
      • Food and Nutrition Services Region Map
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Upcoming Missouri Commodity Foods Expos/Registration
      • St. Louis – January 31, 2024
      • Kansas City – February 7, 2024
    • Refried Beans Cancelled and Peanut Butter Continues to be delayed
    • NOI Pound Usage
    • New December Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Bonus Advertisements
December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

  • October Recap 
    • Farm to School Month
    • Farm to School Census
    • Local Food Cooperative (LFS) Grant
    • Farm to School Bus Tour
  • Missouri School Nutrition Association (MSNA) Conference
  • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Mid-Year Election Opportunity
  • Let's Talk: Upcoming Webinars
    • Utilizing Processor Link – December 5th, 2-3PM
    • Utilizing K12 Foodservice – December 7th, 2-3PM
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • SNP Financial Report
      • Financial Report Definitions
      • ASBR Mapping Resources
      • Financial Report Instructions
      • Schools that contract with a Food Service Management Company (FSMC)
      • Adjustment to balance
      • Indirect Cost Rate
        • Indirect Cost memo
        • Indirect Cost Guidance
    • Verification Report
    • Food Service Management Contract (FSMC) Renewals
    • Food and Nutrition Services Staff Updated Contact Information
      • Food and Nutrition Services Contact Information
      • Food and Nutrition Services Region Map
    • FY 2023 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant Awardees
  • Special Shout Out to Blue Eye R-V School District
  • Important School Nutrition Information and Resources 
    • Wellness Page – new resources
    • Meal Pattern Documentation 
      • Offering Meats and Meat Alternates at School Breakfast
      • Offering Smoothies as Part of Reimbursable Meals
      • Methods of Healthy Cooking
      • Serving School Meals to Preschoolers
    • Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Website
    • 2023 School Nutrition Trends Report
    • Construction of School Lunch Facilities
  • School Nutrition Program Staff Updates
    • Claudia Vincent, Nutrition Program Manager – Wedding Announcement
    • Elisabeth Gooch, Nutrition Program Specialist – Baby Announcement
    • Brittany Otto, Nutrition Provisions Specialist – Welcome to our Team
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Upcoming Missouri Commodity Foods Expos/Registration
      • St. Louis – January 31, 2024
      • Kansas City – February 7, 2024
    • Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Foods Inventory Levels
    • NOI Pound Usage
    • Peanut Butter Delayed
    • New Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Bonus Advertisements
    • Gold Star Live Account Fair Market Values vs Monthly USDA Foods Values
    • Delivery Charge Update Notification
October 24, 2023

October 24, 2023

  • Nonprofit School Food Service Account
    • The SNP financial report is due by November 1
      • Financial Report Definitions
      • ASBR Mapping Resources
      • Financial Report Instructions
    • Schools that contract with a Food Service Management Company (FSMC)
    • Adjustment to balance
    • Indirect Cost Rate
      • Indirect Cost memo
      • Indirect Cost Guidance
  • Food and Nutrition Services Staff Updated Contact Information
    • Food and Nutrition Services Contact Information
    • Food and Nutrition Services Region Map
  • Let's Talk Tuesday: Verification Process
    • Save the Date – November 7, 2-3PM
    • Topics for Let’s Talk Tuesday 
      • Verification Process
      • Financial Report Reminder
      • New Hire Training Guide
      • Production Records
      • Offer vs. Serve
  • FY 2023 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant Information 
    • Available Now
      • Equipment Grant Ineligible List
      • Equipment Grant Letter
      • Equipment Grant Application (deadline is October 27, 2023 - 4:30 PM)
  • Unpaid Meal Debt
    • Managing the Problem of Meal Debt
  • Farm to School News
    • Farm to School Grant Program is now open
    • 5th Annual Farm Bus Tour in Sikeston, MO on November 3rd
    • Build Farm to School with new Missouri funding
    • Local Food Cooperative (LFS) Grant
    • Congratulations LFS Grantees
      • Jackson R2 - Award $17,000
      • Lee’s Summit R7 - Award $17,000
      • Belton School District #124 - Award $6,000
      • Blue Springs R-IV - Award $25,000
      • Raymore Peculiar - Award $17,000
      • Ballard R-II - Award $675.00
October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

  • October is Farm to School Month
    • Missouri Celebrates Farm to School Month
    • Governor Parson Proclaims October as Missouri Farm to School Month
    • Farm to School Fact Sheets
    • Local Food Cooperative (LFS) Grant
    • The 2023 Farm to School Census is coming soon
    • 2023 Crunch Off
  • Let's Talk Tuesday: Verification Process
    • Save the Date – October 3, 2-3PM
    • Topics for Let’s Talk Tuesday 
      • Verification Process
      • FNS School Year Calendar
      • Farm to School
      • Save the Date for Upcoming Let’s Talk Tuesdays
  • FY 2023 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant Information 
    • Available Now
      • Equipment Grant Ineligible List
      • Equipment Grant Letter
      • Equipment Grant Application (deadline is October 27, 2023 - 4:30 PM)
  • National School Lunch Week (NSLW)
    • #NSLW23 will be celebrated October 9-13, 2023
    • Tools and Resources
  • Reminders and Important Information 
    • Claims Information
    • Financial Reports are open
    • Food Safety Inspection due Sept. 15th
    • Verification Information
    • Missouri HealthNet for Kids Form
    • Food Service Management Company bid/rebid email
    • Missouri School Nutrition Association Conference (MSNA)
    • Review additional reminders and due dates in the FNS calendar
  • Administrative and Procurement Review Schedules for 2023-2024 SY
  • Important School Nutrition Requirements and Resources
    • Updated Wellness Page
    • New Menu Planner for School Meals
    • Summer Workshop Round Table Topics – New Resources
      • Local Wellness Policy Fact Sheet
      • Food Allergy Fact Sheet
      • Managing the Problem of Meal Debt
    • Adult Meal Pricing Worksheets
    • School Lunch Menu E-Poster
  • Annual Civil Rights Training
    • Civil Rights Presentation
    • And Justice for All Posters
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Save the Date – 10/17 - Let’s Talk Tuesday Webinar called Making the Most of your Processed Pounds with the K12 Website 
    • USDA Foods Pre-Survey Coming in October!
    • Delivery Refund Allocation Lookup
    • USDA Commodity Foods Expos – New Info 
      • SFNDA Food Show/Commodity Expo
      • Heart of American Food Show/Commodity Expo
    • Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Bonus Foods- Available Now on Gold Star Website
  • Gold Star Advertisement Feature
August 29, 2023 

August 29, 2023

  • Temporary DESE Food and Nutrition Services Phone Number
  • USDA Announces New Round of Supply Chain Assistance Funds for School
  • 2023-2024 School Nutrition Program (SNP) Application Packet Information
  • FY 2023 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant Information
  • Important School Nutrition Requirements and Resources
    • Adult Meal Pricing worksheets
    • School Lunch Menu E-Poster
  • Farm to School News
    • Local Food Cooperative (LFS) Grant
    • The 2023 Farm to School Census is coming soon
    • October is Missouri Farm to School Month
  • National School Lunch Week (NSLW)
  • Annual Civil Rights Training
    • Civil Rights Presentation
    • And Justice for All Posters
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Tyson, Pilgrims and Rich Chick’s Fee for Service Deliveries
    • Delivery Charges
    • Commodity Deliveries for 23/24 SY
      • Cancelled and Adjusted USDA Foods
    • Bonus Entitlement Available for 23/24 SY
      • 1. Direct Delivery (Brown Box)
        • Gold Star Advertisement Feature
      • 2. DOD Fresh
      • 3. Net Off Invoice
    • New and Updated Resources
      • Gold Star Training Videos
      • Missouri USDA Foods Program Procedures Manual
      • Commodity Calendar
      • Commodity Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Tracking Tool
July 28, 2023

July 28, 2023

  • Food and Nutrition Services Summer Workshops
    • Columbia Location Change
    • Thank you
    • Workshop Pictures
  • Adult Meal Pricing Worksheets
  • USDA Announces New Round of Supply Chain Assistance Funds for School
  • Farm to School News
    • Local Food Cooperative (LFS) Grant
    • FY 23 USDA Farm to School Grantees
  • Meal Pattern Changes in Effect July 1, 2023
  • Nondiscrimination Statement
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Delivery Fee for Brown Box and Fee for Service Effective SY 23-24
  •  
    • New and Updated Resources
      • Commodity Expo Dates for 2024 have been finalized! Please mark your calendars!
      • Missouri USDA Foods Program Procedures Manual
      • Commodity Calendar
      • Commodity Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Tracking Tool
    • Account Updates
      • Gold Star Account
      • DOD Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Account
    • Delivery Week Changes
    • Commodity Deliveries for 23/24 SY
      • Gold Star August Commodity Orders
      • Delivery Charges
    • Cancelled and Adjusted USDA Foods
    • Orange Juice 110651
July 13, 2023

July 13, 2023

  • Reimbursement Rates
    • Reimbursement Rate Comparison Chart
  • 2023-2024 School Nutrition Program Application Packet Information
    • Application Packet is open and available for completion
    • Food Safety Inspections Report is Available and due September 15.
  • Administrative and Procurement Review Schedules for 2023-2024 SY
  • May Breakfast  Payment Delayed
  • 2023-2024 Special Milk Program Information
  • Summer Workshops 2023 
    • Dates and Locations
    • Helpful Reminders
  • Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Information for 2023-24 SY
  • FY22 Equipment Grant Additional Funding Opportunity
  • P-EBT Portal
  • USDA Foods Update
    • New and Updated Resources
      • Missouri USDA Foods Program Procedures Manual
      • Commodity Calendar
      • Commodity Direct Delivery (Brown Box) Tracking Tool
    • Account Updates
      • Gold Star Account
      • DOD Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Account
    • Delivery Week Changes
    • Commodity Deliveries for 23/24 SY
      • Gold Star August Commodity Orders
      • Delivery Charges
    • Cancelled and Adjusted USDA Foods
    • Orange Juice 110651
July 7, 2023

July 7, 2023

  • 2023-2024 School Nutrition Program Application Packet Information
  • Summer Workshops 2023 
    • Dates and Locations
    • Helpful Reminders
    • Panel Discussion:  Menu's that Make Sense
  • Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Information for 2023-24 SY
  • FY22 Equipment Grant Additional Funding Opportunity
June 9, 2023 - Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) Funds

June 9, 2023 - Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) Funds

  • SCA Rounds 2 and 3
June 6, 2023 - Summer Workshop Information 2023

June 6, 2023 - Summer Workshop Information 2023

  • Summer Workshop Registration Available
  • Dates and Locations
  • Panel Discussion:  Menu's that Make Sense
June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

  • Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Tool Update
  • Summer Workshops 2023 
    • Dates and Locations
    • Panel Discussion:  Menu's that Make Sense
  • Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (FFVP) Program for 23-24 SY
  • Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) Funds
  • Current Federal Support for School Meals
  • Summer Recipe Suggestions
May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

  • Summer Meal Programs
    • Can a location serve as both a Seamless Summer Option (SSO) site and a Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) site?
    • How can Open SSO sites outreach to children in the community?
    • Where can I find the SSO review form that is required to be completed during SSO operation?
  • Summer Workshops 2023 
    • Dates and Locations
    • Panel Discussion:  Menu's that Make Sense
  • Meal Pattern Changes in Effect July 1, 2023
  • Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) Funds
  • State Payment
  • Nondiscrimination Statement
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Free and Reduced Price Application and Direct Certification Information and Procedures 2023-24 Handbook
    • Local Food for Schools (LFS) Program
    • Pandemic Eligibility Transfer Benefits (P-EBT) for Summer 2023
    • Turnip the Beet 2023 Nomination Packet  
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Gold Star Account Reminder
    • DOD Funds for Summer School
    • Orange Juice 110651
    • Entitlement Balances
    • Donated Foods Summer Workshop Sessions
    • 23/24 SY Commodity Foods Program Changes
May 4, 2023

May 4, 2023

  • May 5th is School Lunch Hero Day!
    • School Lunch Hero Thanks from DESE, FNS
    • Wondering how to celebrate? Tips and Suggestions
  • Summer Workshops 2023 
    • Tentative Dates and Locations
    • Registration – Coming Soon!
  • USDA Announces New Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement with Missouri
  • Upcoming Webinars 
    • Let’s Talk Tuesday May 9th – Supply Chain Assistance
    • Save the Date! May 11th – Local Food for Schools Funding
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Seamless Summer Option, Non-congregate Meals for Summer 2023
    • Pandemic Eligibility Transfer Benefits (P-EBT) for Summer 2023
    • Meal Counts and Claiming
    • Turnip the Beet 2023 Nomination Packet  
    • USDA’s Proposed Updates to the School Nutrition Standards: Comment Period Extended
    • New 2023 USDA Farm to School Census Partner Resources Page
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Gold Star Account Reminder
    • DOD Funds for Summer School
    • Orange Juice 110651
    • Entitlement Balances
  • Donated Foods Summer Workshop Sessions
April 20, 2023

April 20, 2023

  • Paid Lunch Equity: Guidance for School Year 2023-2024
    • Guidance for Paid Lunch Pricing for SY 2023-2024
    • SFAs Qualifying for the SY 2023-2024 PLE Exemption
    • SFAs Not Qualifying for the SY 2023-2024 PLE Exemption
    • Reporting
  • Jefferson County Students Taste-Test School Lunch
  • Summer Meals - Summer 2023
    • Save the Date – Let’s Talk Tuesday Webinar Summer Meal Service
  • Shout Out! MO Beef Kids Shout Out to Kirbyville R-VI
  • Reminders and Important Information 
    • Free or Low-Cost Internet Services Available to All Households with Kids at Schools Participating in the Community Eligibility Provision
    • Meal Counts and Claiming
  • Administrative Professionals Day Thank You
April 5, 2023

April 5, 2023

  • School Gardens: Using Gardens to Grow Healthy Habits in Cafeterias, Classrooms and Communities
    • School Garden Resource Links
    • The Benefits of School Gardens
    • Indoor / Outdoor Gardens at South Elementary School District, Jefferson City School District
  • LEA Seamless Summer Options for Summer 2023
  • Reminders and Important Information
    • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
    • Title 1 Updates
    • Excess Balance Letters
    • P-EBT Final Deadline
  • USDA Foods Update 
    • April Bonus Entitlement
    • Fajita Chicken Strips
    • Gold Star Account Reminder
March 14, 2023

March 14, 2023

  • Severe Need Eligibility
  • DESE Staff Update
  • School Breakfast Week Thanks
  • March is National Nutrition AND National Noodle Month
  • Meal Planning Resources for School Nutrition Professionals
  • Farm to School Grant - Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri
  • Reminders
    • Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
    • P-EBT
  • USDA Foods Update
    • USDA Commodity Foods Packet for SY23-24 submission timeframe has ended.
    • Net Off Invoice Survey
    • March Bonus Entitlement
    • Fajita Chicken Strips
    • Frozen Strawberry Cups
    • Gold Star Account Reminder
  • Upcoming Summer Information
    • Summer Workshops
    • Thinking Ahead to Summer Meals
February 21, 2023

February 21, 2023

  • DESE Staff Update
  • DESE Summer Workshops
  • Reminders
    • Claims
    • Financial Reports
  • National School Breakfast Week March 6-10
  • Proposed Updates to the School Meal Standards
  • Dig In to School Breakfast
    • P-EBT Reminders
  • Farm to School Funding Opportunity
  • USDA Foods Update
    • Gold Star and Net Off Invoice (NOI) Accounts
    • Bonus Entitlement
    • The USDA Commodity Foods Packet
    • Commodity 101 and Procurement Webinars
    • Frozen Fruit Products
    • NOI Survey
    • USDA Commodity Foods Packet for SY23/24 submission timeframe has ended.
    • Net Off Invoice Survey
August 4, 2022

August 4, 2022

  • School Nutrition Program (SNP) Application Packet
  • Food Safety Inspections Report
  • Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP) Applications are Delayed
July 22, 2022

July 22, 2022

  • Reimbursement Rates
  • P-EBT
  • Paid Lunch Equity (PLE)
  • Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Program (FFVP)
  • Severe-need
  • Summer Workshops
  • Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022
  • Food Distribution Director
June 30, 2022

June 30 2022

  • Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022
May 26, 2022

May 26, 2022

  • April Meal Reimbursements and Supply Chain Assistance (SCA) Payments Delayed Until June
  • Donated Foods
  • Let's Talk Tuesday
  • Paid Lunch Equity (PLE)
  • P-EBT
  • May is Food Allergy Awareness Month
May 20, 2022

May 20, 2022

  • P-EBT
  • Let's Talk Tuesday
  • Paid Lunch Equity (PLE)
  • Donated Food Cancellations
  • Donated Food Bonus
Past Newsletters

March 2021

  • National School Breakfast Week; Farm to School; CEP Requirements; USDA Foods Updates & Info; MO Healthy Schools; WSCC Model; Upcoming Training Opportunities

December 2020

  • Verification Reminders; Backup Emergency Meal Plan; Dietary Guidelines; MO Healthy School; Financial Report; Donated Foods; Administrative Reviews; Farm to School Grant

January/February 2020

  • School Breakfast Week; Farm to School Census; USDA Proposed Rules; USDA Memos; And Justice For All Posters; Staff Updates; Summer Workshop 2020; Live Virtual Dairy Farm Tour

September/October 2019

  • New 5 year AR Cycle; Farm to School Updates; Farm to School census give-a-way!; NEW DESE FNS Training; National School Lunch Week: October 14-18; 27th Annual MCSHC Conference; Food Buying Guide Updates

March/April 2019

  • New State Director; New Food Safety Mini-posters; LEA's Hiring Flexibilities Update; School Lunch Hero Day!; Summer School and Feeding Programs; What's Cooking: Standardized Recipes; New: Summer Webinars & Summer Workshops 2019; New: Farm2School Conference

January/February 2019

  • Final Rule on School Meal Flexibilities; New Work Sheet: Serving School Meals to Pre-schoolers; Culinary Skills Institute Spring Trainings; #NSBW 2019!; New Updates: Food Buying Guide; USDA Foods Expo 2019