We have received numerous inquiries in the past several weeks concerning a document produced by the Harrison Institute for Public Law at Georgetown University addressing the purchase of products from local farmers. The document expresses the view that Congress, as part of the 2002 Farm Bill, expressed clear support for geographic preferences in purchases made for school food service programs.
The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify state agency procedures for direct verification, especially concerning the use of Medicaid data.
This guidance serves as a general reminder to state agencies about the importance of complying with the Buy American provisions that are found in the regulations of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Attached is a copy of SMI Frequently Asked Questions for you to distribute to your school food authorities. This document is additional SMI guidance for state agencies and SFAs to use in implementing SMI requirements.