SNAP Week of Action, Procurement Review Prep & Turnip the Beet

Here’s what you need to know this week:

SNAP Week of Action

This week, we’re joining the SNAP Week of Action to call for legislative priorities that protect SNAP, our nation's largest food safety net. Recent cuts to SNAP due to H.R. 1 are already impacting students and families in our communities by reducing the number of kids eligible for free and reduced-price meals, lowering CEP ISP numbers, and reducing the amount of federal funding coming in through school meal reimbursement. If you can take a moment this week, send an email to your elected officials here.

Procurement Review Prep

Join us @ 2 pm PT tomorrow for a special Procurement Review Prep Call! This call is especially relevant for California schools scheduled for a SY 26-27 Procurement Review, who will get a head start on items due to CDE on Oct. 1 - but everyone is welcome to join regardless of where you are in your procurement journey! We'll be walking through each step of the Procurement Review process so you feel extra confident in what to expect. PRO members can also check out this 5-part Procurement Review Support Series or sign up to work with a LunchAssist consultant.

Improving the Dining Experience

No Kid Hungry just launched a unique, free online training course for school nutrition leaders interested in improving the student dining experience. Space is limited to 50 participants so if you’re interested, apply to join this course by Aug. 28!

Turnip the Beet!

USDA’s 2026 Turnip the Beet award is open for nominations! This award recognizes outstanding summer program sponsors across the nation. Nominations are due Sep. 23, 2026.

⭐️ Resources

• August Checklist
• SY 26-27 Federal Reimbursement Rates Chart
• SY 26-27 California Reimbursement Rates Chart
• SY 26-27 Adult Meal Pricing Tool
• Training Library Course Catalog
• ICYMI! The Lunch Break Aug. 6 Recording

📆 Upcoming Events

• ✨ Aug. 20: Procurement Review Prep Call by LunchAssist!
• Aug. 24: SNA Advocacy in Action Webinar - SNA
• Aug. 25: Back-to-School Virtual Summit - ICN
• Aug. 26: Real Food Needs Real Kitchens - Chef Ann Foundation
• Aug. 27: Afterschool Meals Matter: Strategies & Practical Takeaways - FRAC
• Aug. 27: CA Farm to School Network Call - CDFA

• ✨ Sep. 3: SY 26-27 SNP AR Kick-Off Call on The Lunch Break!

• Register for The Lunch Break in 2026!

LunchAssist is an allowable use of the Cafeteria Fund, KIT Funds, and R&R Grant. 🥳 Schedule a demo to learn more.