Final Rule: Direct Certification of Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools

This rule amends the regulations governing the determination of eligibility for free and reduced price school meals under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program or free milk in schools participating in the Special Milk Program. The rule codifies procedures that allow school food authorities and state agencies to certify children eligible for free meals or free milk based on information obtained directly from the appropriate state or local agency administering the Food Stamp Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (previously the Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program). This rule affects state agencies and participating school food authorities and households. These amendments respond to certain provisions in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 1989, comments received on the proposed rule published on May 28, 1991 (56 FR 24033), and provisions in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. These amendments are intended to reduce administrative paperwork burdens, simplify the certification process for free and reduced price benefits, and facilitate the feeding of needy children