Reimbursement for Meals and Milk Served on Weekends

 PURPOSE: This Instruction clarifies the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) policy regarding the reimbursement of meals and milk served on weekends through the National School Lunch Program, the Commodity School Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Special Milk Program.   

AUTHORITY: 7 CFR 210.2, 7 CFR 215.2, 7 CFR 220.2 

DISCUSSION: Meals and milk served by the school food authority on the weekend may be reimbursable if the activity is an integral part of the curriculum or an actual extension of the local educational program, and not simply a school-affiliated extracurricular event or activity, such as football, band and choral activity. The decision as to whether an activity is an integral part of or extension of the curriculum is to be made by those who determine curriculum in the state education agency, in conjunction with a review of the actual situation with the local school food authority. 

Boarding schools that serve meals or milk on weekends may be reimbursed only if the weekend is an extension of the weekday educational program, as defined by the state education agency. However, residential child care institutions may be reimbursed for meals served on weekends.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: In all cases, care must be taken to ensure that accurate records are maintained, including meal or milk counts for the free reduced price and paid categories, as appropriate. 

Diane Kriviski
Acting Associate Administrator 
Special Nutrition Programs