This rule proposes to amend the regulations governing procedures related to the procurement of goods and services in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Special Milk Program to remedy deficiencies identified in audits and program reviews.
This final rule makes a technical change to the regulations governing the nutrient analysis of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs.
The National School Lunch Program regulations are revised to require that schools offer, with meals, fluid milk in a variety of fat contents.
Eating whole grain products has long been advocated by health and nutrition experts. We encourage school food authorities to inquire about the availability of whole grain products when developing product specifications and making their procurement plans next year.
Regarding awarding contracts, state agencies are advised to carefully review school district to ensure they are in compliance with federal regulations and take appropriate actions.
The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to increase the disregard threshold for overpayments to child or adult care institutions participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program if the total overpayment to the institution for the fiscal year does not exceed an amount that is consistent with the disregards allowed in other programs under the Act.
As described in our Reauthorization Implementation Memo SP 4, Categorical Eligibility for Free Lunches and Breakfasts of Runaway, Homeless, and Migrant Youth, runaway youth served through grant programs established under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act are now categorically eligible for free meals in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
Section 102 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by removing the requirement that schools participating in the National School Lunch Program offer students a variety of fluid milk consistent with prior year preferences.
This memorandum is in response to questions raised by the Connecticut state agency.
Several data sources, including information on free and reduced price eligibility status changed as a result of verification, indicate that there is a significant problem with inaccurate certifications for free/reduced price meal benefits in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Therefore, it is imperative that both state agencies and FNS make every effort to validate the accuracy of eligibility determinations.