News and Announcements

The FDA has issued a Public Health Advisory for certain Similac brand or Elecare powdered infant formulas. More information is available at: FDA Investigation of Cronobacter and Salmonella Complaints: Powdered Infant Formula (February 2022) | FDA.  Please share this information as appropriate.  While FDA is the Federal regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the safety of infant formula, FNS is committed to working collaboratively with the FDA to ensure that FNS stakeholders receive timely and relevant information. FNS will provide additional information to State agencies as this situation develops.

Claims for reimbursement are due on the 10th of the month following the reporting month. Claims and claim revisions may be submitted up to 60 days following the end of the reporting month. Please remember it is 60 days exactly NOT the last day od the month. For example, October claims 60-day deadline will be December 30. Click Here for the 60-day deadline calendar.

This is a reminder that the CNP On-line application is your management plan and must be kept up to date at all times. https://nutrition.education.ne.gov/Splash.aspx

You are encouraged to review the on-line application/management plan to ensure NDE has the most current information for your program.  If you have a new responsible individual or new key CACFP staff, please be sure to update the online application packet.  If you are the new responsible individual, NDE must have a new Certificate of Authority  on file and you are required to attend the all-day training. Please contact NDE for further guidance.

For a memo explaining updates to the Federal Micro-Purchase Threshold in 2 CFR 200.320(a)(1). The memo alerts State agencies and Program operators of regulatory changes made by the Office of Management and Budget (USDA does not have authority) to the Federal Micro-purchase threshold in government-wide regulations found at 2 CFR 200.320(a)(1). The guidance applies to the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Find fun activities with research-based education and training resources designed to support CACFP professionals. Find the latest ICN Mealtime Memo highlighting “building up our immunity” with healthy nutrition choices and ways to keep kids active with music.

Subscribe to the Mealtime Memos monthly e-newsletter on the main webpage at https://theicn.org/cacfp

Each CACFP sponsor is also requires to train their staff on CACFP requirements every year. This staff training content may include: CACFP mela pattern, proper portion sizes, reimbursement process, accurate meal counts, etc. Remember that attending the NDE training does not meet the requirements of Staff training. Documentation is required of who attended the training, the training topic and dates of trainings.

USDA’s Team Nutrition initiative is excited to announce the release of the Meal Components web quiz, now available at fns.usda.gov/tn/quizzes/meal-components. This quiz focuses on meal components and meal pattern requirements for all Child Nutrition Programs. It is the latest addition to the collection of Team Nutrition web quizzes that cover a variety of nutrition topics, available at fns.usda.gov/tn/quizzes. Additional quizzes will be released throughout Fall and Winter 2021-2022. These interactive quizzes can be used at trainings. Upon completion of each 10-question quiz, quiz takers receive a score along with a link to resources that can help expand their knowledge on the topic and build their nutrition skills. Quiz takers can also view a printable version of the questions and answers upon quiz completion.

A recently translated course is available for Spanish speaking child nutrition professionals working in your program: https://theicn.docebosaas.com/learn/course/external/view/elearning/199/derechos-civiles-en-los-programas-de-nutricion-infantil

Other ICN training opportunities: https://theicn.org/

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some CACFP operators are facing supply chain disruptions including product shortages, unexpected substitution of food products, and unanticipated cancelation of food and supply contracts. USDA memo information.  Please know that this memo gives State Agencies and sponsors the discretion to provide technical assistance in lieu of fiscal action when they observe non-compliance related to meal pattern requirements.  It is expected that sponsors continue with good faith efforts to meet the meal pattern requirements.  It is recommended that the sponsor contact at least one additional vendor to find the product that was not available by the general supplier. If the food component cannot be made available in time to serve the meal, the efforts made must be documented with the date, time and the vendors that were contacted to show that the “good-faith” efforts were made by your staff to try and meet the meal pattern for that meal. This flexibility is only in effect during the public health emergency due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services requests your assistance in spreading the word about the Nebraska Emergency Rental Assistance Program as some of your parents/caregivers may be eligible.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program makes available funds to assist Nebraska households, subject to income qualifications, that are unable to pay rent or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Nebraska anticipates operating the ERA Program until funding is no longer available from the U.S. Treasury, or until September 30, 2022.

We encourage you and your parents/caregivers to visit the State of Nebraska’s website at coronavirus.nebraska.gov for more information and how to apply.  You may also call the contact center at (833) 500-8810 for more information from Monday to Friday from 8AM to 5PM Central Time