Category: Schools

Initial Implementation Memo Supporting Release of USDA’s Final Rule: Child Nutrition Program Integrity

Posted on by Angelice Lowe

On August 23, 2023, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a final rule, Child Nutrition Program Integrity. The final rule impacts the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program (SMP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The rule finalizes provisions which strengthen program integrity while providing State agencies targeted flexibility to adapt oversight to meet their unique program circumstances. In addition, the final rule codifies into regulations CACFP provisions which have been common practice and previously implemented through guidance memos.

FNS is pleased to announce the release of SP 21-2023, CACFP 10-2023, SFSP 12-2023, “Initial Implementation Memorandum: Child Nutrition Program Integrity Final Rule.” This memorandum and attachment provide an overview of the final rule to assist State agencies as they implement the provisions of the final rule.

The final rule is available as of, August 23, 2023, on the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/23/2023-17992/child-nutrition-program-integrity

PDF Version of Memo Click: SP21-2023_CACFP10-2023_SFSP12-2023s

Program operators with questions concerning this guidance should contact Alabama State Department of Education at (334) 694-4656.

The Alabama Department of Education Launches Break for a Plate Alabama Website

Posted on by Scott Smith

MONTGOMERY, AL -The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) launched a new website for it’s more expansive United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) food and nutrition programs, Break for a Plate Alabama. At this website, users will be able to access details regarding all USDA nutrition programs offered by the ALSDE.

The Break for a Plate Alabama website hosts information and eligibility requirements of all state nutritional programs and initiatives that aim to feed those who need healthy meals in Alabama, from school students to children and adults in day care centers to those who depend on local food pantries.

Break for a Plate Alabama is an expansion upon the Summer Food Service Program Break for a Plate, which was created to ensure all Alabama children can continue to receive nutritious meals throughout their summer vacation.

“We are excited to be able to expand upon the Break for a Plate summer program and include programs that provide healthy meals for children and adults year-round,” said Angelice Lowe, ALSDE Child Nutrition Programs Director. “Break for a Plate Alabama aims to solve the issue of hunger on a wider spectrum by encompassing school cafeterias, community centers and care centers.”

Under Break for a Plate Alabama, more comprehensive meal resources are made available including Community Feeding/Food Distribution, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), National School Lunch Programs (NSLP), and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

To learn more about how you can connect with participating Break for a Plate Alabama community/food distribution centers, care centers, schools, and the Break for a Plate summer program, visit breakforaplate.com.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race,

color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.