Happy Spring (Soon) and hello Interflex family! We are so excited to see spring in the air as it's been a full winter here in Pennsylvania, full of snow and ice!

This bid season will present industry members across the nation with challenges as we face shortages in many aspects of the industry.

Fortunately, we are presented with bidding resources, success stories from colleagues to inspire us, as well as tools to help you along the way! It may not feel like spring yet, but it certainly feels like bid season.

The USDA has released the list of USDA foods that are available or expected to be available for schools for the 2022-2023 school year. You can find the list and more information at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-fis/usda-foods-available

In January 2022, the USDA announced an increase in the school meal reimbursements. The new rates, part of an annual rate adjustment, increase lunch reimbursements by 25 cents, helping to offset higher pandemic costs. This will assist in making sure reimbursements keep up with food and operational costs.

These recipes meet school nutrition requirements, are standardized to provide updated crediting information, including the vegetable subgroups, and yield either 50 or 100 servings. Nutrition facts, recipe ratings, and CN equivalencies are all included. Check out all of the recipes at: https://theicn.org/cnrb/recipes-for-schools

The Web-based Supply Chain Management system will transition to Google Chrome browser for access to the WBSCM Portal in Spring 2022. Microsoft has announced that they will end support for Internet Explorer 11 for Windows, and Federal security guidelines require agencies to replace system components when support is no longer available. All users are encouraged to begin using Chrome for activities in WBSCM.

You can read the full document from USDA and get all of the details at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/02/07/2022-02327/child-nutrition-programs-transitional-standards-for-milk-whole-grains-and-sodium

We were able to attend the virtual SNIC this year and gather information on the latest trends in the industry.

Kirsten Snyder, VP Sales & Services, shares her thoughts on the conference:

"SNA’s SNIC Virtual 2022 was a great conference. While I wish I could have been in San Antonio to see everyone in person, I was happy to have an opportunity to participate from the office. The General Sessions and Education sessions were insightful and informative. It was a fantastic way to connect with the industry as they shared creative ideas to help each other during unprecedented times. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Orlando for ANC 2022."

Join us as Kirsten Snyder (VP Sales & Service) will be providing free webinars to learn more about our services. Spots are are limited so register today!

What’s all the fuss about? Come see for yourself and learn about the research tool that provides the largest market data available in school foodservice.

Registration URL: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/2583849447845949185

Registration URL: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/5226130920531203329

Here are the Top Ten Manufacturers of Burritos for the 2021-2022 school year, according to Interflex's AwardedBids Analytics data:

March 7-11 was National School Breakfast Week! Our team celebrated with a fun week of team events that included mask decorating, a daily walk to "TAKE OFF" our days, breakfast trivia, and a team breakfast.

We hope you all had a great National School Breakfast week too!

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