Policy Memo (158.43 KB)
| DATE: | March 11, 2014 | |
| POLICY MEMO: | SP 26-2014 | |
| SUBJECT: | New Questions and Answers Related to the Certification of Compliance with Meal Requirements for the National School Lunch Program | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions | State Directors Child Nutrition Programs All States |
Attached are Revised Questions and Answers related to the final rule entitled, Certification of Compliance with Meal Requirements for the National School Lunch Program under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Under section 201 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, an additional reimbursement of 6 cents per lunch is available for school food authorities certified to be in compliance with the new school meal patterns. The interim rule establishes the requirements related to certification and this new performance-based reimbursement.
As a result of the publication of the 6 cents final rule on Jan. 3, 2014, (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-01-03/pdf/2013-31433.pdf), the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has received additional questions concerning the certification process. Therefore, we are creating a new set of questions and answers related to 6 cents. While these new questions and answers will supersede SP 31-2012 “Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010: Questions and Answers Related to the Certification of Compliance with Meal Requirements for the National School Lunch Program”, those questions and answers will remain available for reference on the FNS website.
This new set of questions and answers revises many of the existing questions, eliminates obsolete questions, and adds new questions to provide more guidance on certifications in the upcoming school year. Therefore readers should review this new set of questions and answers very carefully and refer to SP 31-2012 only for information about the certification process in previous years. Question numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate new or significantly revised questions.
State agencies are reminded to distribute this memo to program operators immediately. SFAs should contact their state agencies for additional information. State agencies may direct any questions concerning this guidance to the appropriate FNS regional office.
Cynthia Long
Deputy Administrator
Child Nutrition Programs