School Nutrition Programs Compliance Handbook
INTRODUCTION
This handbook provides information and instruction for implementing the requirements of the School Nutrition Programs (SNP). SNP staff from the State Agency (SA) will provide technical assistance to active and potential participants to help them with the programs’ implementation. This handbook serves as an overview of program requirements. SNP will distribute additional memos and policies throughout the year when the USDA implements new laws enacted by Congress or provides new interpretation.
School Food Authorities (SFA) receive reimbursement based on the number of meals served to children eligible for free meals, reduced price meals, and children who pay for full priced meals. SFAs determine student eligibility based on household income. SFAs receive a higher reimbursement for meals served to those eligible for free meals than those eligible for full priced meals. SFAs receive funding for each reimbursable meal regardless of eligibility.
Types of Programs Offered By Oklahoma School Nutrition Programs (OKDHS SNP)
School Nutrition Programs (SNP)
School Nutrition Programs (SNP) is the name of the Child Nutrition Programs administered by the Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS). In this handbook, SNP, and State Agency (SA) will be used interchangeably. SNP has oversight of the Child Nutrition Programs for private schools and private Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCI) in the State of Oklahoma.
SNP administers the USDA Child Nutrition Programs to non-profit private schools and non-profit private RCCIs. The programs administered are the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Afterschool Snack Program, and Special Milk Program (SMP). Schools and RCCIs participating in the programs receive funding for providing healthy meals to children. OKDHS SNP is responsible for monitoring participating private schools and RCCIs to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
The intent of these federal programs is to help fight hunger and obesity. SFAs participating in the Child Nutrition Programs must agree to provide meals that comply with nutritional standards set forth by federal guidelines. SFAs must also agree to other federal requirements such as fiscal integrity, food safety, and health promotion.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCI). The program’s purpose is to provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. Schools and RCCIs receive cash subsidies for providing meals to eligible students. Based on income or qualifying benefits, students are charged for meals at the paid rate, or reduced-price rates, or provided meals for free. Schools that additionally provide afterschool care may be eligible for additional funding for serving snacks after school.
School Breakfast Program (SBP)
School Food Authorities (SFA) operating the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) can receive cash assistance for operating a federally assisted nonprofit breakfast program to students. Students receiving free and reduced price lunches are eligible to receive breakfast for free or reduced priced within schools sponsoring a breakfast program. Since breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, SFAs are encouraged to participate in the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
Special Milk Program (SMP)
The Special Milk Program (SMP) is designed to encourage the consumption of milk by children. The SMP provides milk to children in schools, eligible camps, and childcare institutions and for grades that do not participate in other federal meal service programs. The program reimburses schools for the milk they serve. SFAs must agree to use the Federal reimbursement to reduce the selling price of milk to all children.
School Food Authorities (SFA) in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) may also participate in the Special Milk Program to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs or other classes where the NSLP or SBP are not offered.
For more information on the SMP, see chapter 14.
Afterschool Snack Program
The Afterschool Snack Program is a supplement to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). School and RCCIs participating in the National school lunch program may be eligible for additional funding if they provide afterschool snacks to students. For more information on the Afterschool Snack Program see chapter 13.
Food Distribution
Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program can receive additional food assistance from the USDA Food in Schools Program but requires a separate agreement. Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) administers this program. Schools receive additional assistance from the USDA Donated Foods program for each reimbursable meal served. Interested SFAs can apply with the OKDHS Food Distribution Program.
