USA Today: Free school lunch programs face terrible choice — Fight Coronavirus or Students’ Hunger

The   School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) started a  GoFundMe campaign to support your tireless efforts to feed America’s children while schools are closed during the ongoing COVID-19 global emergency. To help us reach our fundraising goal, we’re asking you to spread the word —digitally! While you’re social distancing, take to social media and share the fundraising link and the message that you need support.
 
SNA Board Discusses COVID-19 Challenges with USDA

USDA is providing nationwide waivers for onsite monitoring requirements to maintain program integrity while supporting social distancing practices. USDA is also providing a nationwide 60-day reporting waiver which extends the 60-day reporting deadline for all state agencies, school food authorities and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsoring organizations for January and February 2020.
Find new recipes and grab 'n' go options, customizable signage to advertise your feeding operations, emergency feeding meal kits, grants and other resources from our industry partners. 

COVID-19 closures have left produce distributors with excess stock of fresh fruits and vegetables. School nutrition professionals are encouraged to contact produce distributors to see what’s available for purchase, or in some cases, donation. 

The latest list of states who have issued “stay-at-home” or “shelter-in-place” orders for non-essential workers. 
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SNA is ensuring members are updated with the latest COVID-19 information through six key areas on the newly expanded and enhanced Coronavirus Resources website .
Now Available on Demand: Take Care of Yourself So You Can Take Care of Them During COVID-19 Webinar
While you are serving so many students, it’s critical to take the time to care for yourself and help your school nutrition team continue to thrive. SNA invites you to watch this wellness-focused webinar hosted by SNA President-elect, Reginald Ross, SNS.

Coming Up: Adjusting to Remote Work During COVID-19: Tools for Virtual Conferencing Webinar
Virtual conferencing has become the 'new normal' for school nutrition teams. Whether you're hosting or attending video chat meetings, join Liz Roesel, owner and founder of SEA Level Social and Arianne Hurtado, SEA Level Social marketing strategist for tools and tips to ensure your team is prepared and meetings are productive.
SNA continues to consider all options in relation to COVID-19's impact on the Association’s Annual National Conference (ANC) in Nashville, Tenn., July 12-14, 2020. SNA is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Gaylord Opryland Resort and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau concerning the effect of the current global pandemic on their property, and SNA's contractual obligations and ability to host ANC in July. The safety of our members, attendees, exhibitors, volunteers and staff is our highest priority. SNA continues to monitor the situation very closely. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this unprecedented and unpredictable time, and we will continue to keep you updated.
Share Your Comments with USDA
There’s still time to  submit your comments to USDA on the recent proposed rule to simplify meal service and monitoring requirements in the NSLP and SBP. Use SNA’s convenient comment submission template to have your voice heard. USDA wants to hear from the professionals on the front lines — your experience and insight is valuable.

USDA Develops Interactive Map to Help Students Find Meals During COVID-19
USDA has announced a new online tool,  “Meals for Kids” Site Finder. The digital finder was designed to assist families in locating meals for students while schools are still closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Suspend School Meal Debt Act
On April 3rd, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN5) introduced  H.R. 6430, the Suspend School Meal Debt Act, to formally suspend the collection of all meal debt until the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
April’s School Nutrition magazine is a special edition including resources, front-line stories, at-press-time statistics and relevant information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. Arm yourself with accurate information and plans to help you and your department during the global crisis.