This memorandum provides guidance on using school data when determining area eligibility for purposes of the child nutrition programs in instances where school attendance areas may not accurately reflect the population of the school for which eligibility data is being used.
Student eligibility for free meals is determined by application or by direct certification. Although direct certification systems vary by State and LEA, all such systems are designed to eliminate the need for paper applications. Effective in SY 2011-12, LEAs must conduct direct certification three times per year: once at or around the start of the school year, and again three and six months after that initial effort. All direct certification systems now match student enrollment lists against SNAP agency records and the records of other assistance agencies whose participants are categorically eligible for free meals. The matching process, whether automated or manual, requires no action by the children’s parents or guardians.
This memorandum has been superseded by SP 10-2015, CACFP 04, SFSP 03-2015: Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs.
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance regarding the use of census data for area eligibility determinations in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This memorandum has been superseded by SP 10-2015, CACFP 04, SFSP 03-2015: Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs.
This memorandum provides guidance and clarification regarding individual income eligibility determinations and durations in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
Recently, concerns have been raised about school district employees allegedly misrepresenting their incomes on applications to receive free or reduced price school meals for their children.