FNS Instruction 781-6 Special Developmental Projects

Section 10 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA), as amended, permits the Secretary to authorize any state or regional office, where applicable, to reserve up to 1 percent of the funds earned in any fiscal year under both the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) and the CNA for special developmental projects. Pursuant to this legislation, Child Nutrition (CN) Program regulations authorize state agencies, or regional offices, where applicable, to reserve program funds for such projects with Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approval. However, funds may not be reserved from any program in excess of 1 percent of the funds earned under that program in the applicable fiscal year.

PROJECT SCOPE

Special developmental projects are pilot-type projects for developing and testing new methods or approaches to the management, organization, or operation of the CN programs. The initiative for a project may come from local, state, or Federal levels. A state agency project may be conducted by the state agency itself, or by qualified organizations Within the state such as local school food authorities, professional associations, and universities. However, final approval of the project design, specifications, and funding, as well as approval of the final report, shall rest with the CN Division of FNS. The regional office may serve as a consultant to the state agency in the preparation of the project plan, providing technical assistance and regulatory guidance as requested by the state agency. Should assistance also be requested of the CN Division, it shall be coordinated through the appropriate regional office.

Samuel Bauer
Director
Child Nutrition Division