In our last update, we reported that the USDA has expanded access to the CEP by dropping the minimum identified student percentage (ISP) from 40% to 25%.

The NYSED has now extended its application deadline, allowing newly eligible schools to apply for the CEP until December 15, 2023.

 

The NYSED will be hosting a webinar on October 16, 2023 from 1-2pm to discuss these recent changes. SMS will update participants with registration details as soon as additional information becomes available.

 

The new amendments to the CEP will allow many more organizations to be eligible to participate in school food programs. If you’re unsure whether your school falls within the new eligibility threshold, or have questions about the application process, contact your SMS representative for support.

 

We’re just a call or email away.

 

The SMS Team

Effective October 26, 2023, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) will drop the minimum identified student percentage (ISP) from 40% to 25%.

 

Before this amendment to CEP regulations, in order for a school to be eligible for CEP, at least 40% of student enrollment had to live in households participating in certain income-based federal assistance programs.

 

Lowering this threshold to 25% will significantly expand access and eligibility to CEP programs for many more schools and will allow them to enhance their participation in school food programs.

 

As of yet, no further guidance has been published as to when open enrollment will begin, however, School Management Solutions will be issuing updates as information becomes available.

 

If you’re unsure as to what your school’s ISP is, or whether you fall within the new eligibility threshold, contact your School Management Solutions representative for support.

 

As always, please reach out with any questions. We’re just a call or email away.

 

The SMS Team

School Management Solutions hosted a webinar last week featuring Roth&Co Accounting & Assurance Manager Yisroel (Israel) Lowinger, CPA. The webinar discussed the most common compliance mistakes SFAs make in operating their child nutrition programs, and how to avoid them.

 

You can watch the 25-minute recap below, and view the webinar slides here.

For further guidance, please reach out to School Management Solutions at info@smsny.net or 718-480-5606.

 

 

The SMS Team

NSLP

As the summer comes to a close, we’d like to remind you of several upcoming deadlines. We advise schools to manage their deadline task lists as much as possible in advance of the Yom Tov season.

 

To complete prior to LEA start date:

• Annual Renewal: Complete the required Annual Renewal on CNMS and submit school calendar to representative. (Click here for sample calendar.)
• Procurement: Conduct procurement in order to maintain the most reasonable/cost-efficient vendors.
• Public Announcement: Produce public announcement (see sample here) and distribute to a media publication. Keep a copy on file and record send date and publication source.
• Update Policies: Annually review and update Food Safety Plans, procurement and Wellness Policy.

 

To complete prior to start of school and again within the first 30 operating days of school:

• DCMP: Conduct Direct Certification Matching Process (DCMP) by establishing a master list of students with current benefits. (Sample roster here)

 

To complete toward the beginning of the school year:

• Notify Local Health Department: Notify local health department that two health inspections are required for your SFA to participate in NSLP/SBP. Include a list with all sites and addresses within your SFA which serve meals. Keep a copy of this letter on file. (Sample letter here)
• Civil Rights Training: Complete civil rights training (linked below). File the Power Point and record of the annual training (date/location of training, sign-in sheet and name of presenter).

Civil Rights Training (English)

Civil Rights Training (Yiddish)

 

To complete within the first 4 weeks of program operation:

• Afterschool Snack Program: Conduct the 1st Afterschool Snack Program Review (form here).

 

To complete by September 30th:

• Annual Analysis of Cash Resources Report: Submit the Annual Analysis of Cash Resources Report on CNMS for the previous school year.

 

To complete by October 15th: 

• Health Inspection Report: Submit Health Inspection Report for the previous school year on CNMS. Indicate the number of health inspections performed at each school/site within the LEA. (If none were performed, enter zero.)

 

As always, please reach out with any questions. We’re just a call or email away.

 

The SMS Team