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Fueling the Whole Person, the Whole Year
In South Dakota, the Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS) is responsible for administering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Services and Food Distribution Division programs. These programs provide resources to eligible local agencies that provide food, either as meals or as commodities, to participants.
Schools must be accredited in accordance with Department of Education policies, Residential Child Care Institutions must meet licensing criteria, and Day Care Homes/Centers must be registered or licensed. All local agencies annually renew the agreement and meal policy statement. Upon filing accurate and prompt claims/orders with CANS, agencies receive federal reimbursement for meals and snacks and/or commodities based on participation.
CANS supports students by fueling the whole person, the whole year, to ensure kids across South Dakota achieve the success they deserve.
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Stay informed about professional development, scholarships, student opportunities, and event highlights by following the South Dakota Department of Education on social media:
Don’t forget to tag us so we can see what you and your students are achieving!
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Foundation for Learning and Lifelong Healthy Choices
Child Nutrition Programs are a collection of federal programs designed to defray the costs of providing food to students in various settings and/or at various points throughout the day. Eligible meals must meet high nutritional standards and be balanced across all food groups. These programs are about feeding all students AND building a foundation for learning and lifelong healthy choices.
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Fueling Students Beyond the Classroom
Food Distribution helps schools have access to consistent, high-quality, domestically grown food. FDP manages USDA Foods in schools across the state, as well as coordinating the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for community partners. The overarching goal is to help create the foundation students need to succeed both in the classroom and at home.
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Empowering Children and Families Through Farm to School
The Farm to School program strives to connect South Dakota's children with local food producers and to provide South Dakota youth with fresh food grown in our local communities. The program also seeks to educate kids about food production - from seed to salad.
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Professional Development and Training:
On-Demand Training From CANS
Current training videos are located on the DOE online professional development platform. Use the categories drop-down to select Child and Adult Nutrition Services to filter training options. Enroll in your selected training videos. If you are looking for old Crash Course with CANS training videos, they are all under Crash Course with CANS. Simply enroll to access the entire list of short training videos.
South Dakota Framework for Teaching Training - Pierre, March 26
Geared to those who observe teachers, the department is offering a one-day, in-person training on the 2013 Charlotte Danielson Framework (also known as the South Dakota Framework for Teaching). Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the Framework’s domains, components, elements, and rubrics. Participants will also learn more about ways to hold growth-focused conversations.
Best Practices for Computer Educators - Madison, April 8
Computer teachers are invited to a one-day, in-person Best Practices event at Dakota State University. Participants will engage in career cluster-related topics, networking opportunities, and guest speakers. Those who fully attend the workshop and complete a short survey will be eligible for five continuing education contact hours. Registration is now open. Contact Tracia Rentsch with any questions.
2026 Pathways to Child Nutrition Success Conference - Pierre, June 9-11
Discover innovative strategies to implement and deliver the most effective nutrition programs across the state. This conference is designed for all Child Nutrition Programs and fulfills CACFP training requirements. Registration is now open. Contact Mikayla Lunde with any questions.
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Teacher Opportunities:
Nominate Your History Teacher for Recognition as the Board of Education Standards William Beadle History Teacher of the Year
The South Dakota Department of Education invites you to submit your History Teacher of the Year by March 20. The winning recipient will be honored at the State History Conference this June, and new this year, the recipient will be provided with a $1,000 stipend. Nominations are open for any K-12 history teachers. Reach out to Kevin Larsen with any questions.
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Student Opportunities:
"This Place Matters" Essay Contest – March 13 Deadline
The State Historic Preservation Office of the South Dakota State Historical Society is holding an essay contest for fifth graders. Students are asked to write a 100-400-word essay about any South Dakota location that is at least 50 years old, why it is a favorite place for them, and why it should be preserved. Additional information, including complete guidelines and an entry form, is posted on the website. Questions can be sent to Katie Wasley.
Mental Health Poster Contest – March 15 Deadline
The Helpline Center is providing a mental health poster contest for youth ages 12-18. Four posters will be chosen to be displayed across South Dakota. Download Helpline Poster Contest document for additional details.
Submission deadline: March 15.
Questions? Contact Mike Keller with the Helpline Center.
Drive Safe SD is Giving $10,000 to One SD Student – April 17 Deadline
The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety is helping teens build good habits behind the wheel in a big way: by giving away $20,000 for one lucky high schooler to split with their favorite school organization or activity. All they need to do is take a quick quiz on LessonLearnedSD.com before April 17, 2026. Spread the word and help your students get signed up today!
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Poster Contest – May 1 Deadline
The South Dakota Department of Education and the Bureau of Information Technology are partnering for an exciting opportunity for K-12 students to showcase their creativity while spreading awareness about cybersecurity.
Find more details on the Cybersecurity Contest handout.
Questions can be sent to John Malfero.
State Fair Literacy Awareness Drawing Contest – May 8 Deadline
The South Dakota Department of Education will be at the SD State Fair to distribute free books and educational resources. Students are encouraged to embrace their creativity to help promote literacy across the state.
Download the Drawing Contest Flyer.
Questions? Contact Ashley Holm.
South Dakota Seal of Biliteracy
The South Dakota Seal of Biliteracy honors high school students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language—whether it’s a world language, American Sign Language, or an Indigenous language. This prestigious recognition is noted on a student’s high school diploma and transcript, showcasing valuable skills for college, careers, and beyond.
Learn more and access resources at doe.sd.gov/biliteracy.
Contact Yutzil Becker with questions about the process.
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