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.
Beginning in 2000, the USDA began conducting a demonstration project, known as the National Master Processing Agreements, under which USDA Food and Nutrition Service arranges for national processing of federally donated foods.
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.
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.
In accordance with FDPIR regulations at 7 CFR 253.6(b), Native Hawaiian households that move to the mainland and live in an approved service area near the reservation, or in Oklahoma, must contain at least one household member who is recognized as a member of an Indian tribe to be eligible to participate in FDPIR.