LunchAssist Weekly Update

Grant Opportunities

Hot off the press! Two new grants are available for schools!

Project SCALES: Up to $150,000 for 35 rural SFAs to engage in innovative projects and partnerships to increase local procurement. 🍃 LunchAssist will partner with Boise State University to provide training and technical assistance.
PLANTS Grant: Up to $600,000 for 8 awardees to work with the Chef Ann Foundation to expand scratch cooking, increase equity, foster a resilient supply chain, and create scalable and sustainable change for school districts.

Policy Memos

USDA revised guidance for procurement & inspection of local meat, poultry, seafood, game, and eggs. The new memo also includes a helpful Q&A.
This new memo updates guidance on tofu & soy yogurt, already creditable in SNP and CACFP, are now creditable in SFSP + infant meal patterns.

Winter Break Meals

🎁 The holidays are nearly here! Are school meals part of your students’ wish list? If so, let’s make a plan to offer school meals during winter break:

CACFP At-Risk: Meals can be served on weekends, holidays, or over school breaks (except summer) on days when enrichment is offered.
Seamless Summer Option (SSO): Schools closed for 11+ days may be eligible for SSO. Email your State agency for approval!

Hi Jeannine,