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THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

Office of P-20 Education Policy
Child Nutrition Program Administration
89 Washington Avenue, Room 375 EBA, Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 473-8781 Fax: (518) 473-0018
To: 
School Food Service Directors/Managers School Business Officials
From: 
Frances N. O'Donnell, Coordinator
Date: 
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Subject: 
Contracting with Food Service Management Companies:Guidance for School Food Authorities

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has released its updated version of the 1995 guidance entitled Contracting with Food Service Management Companies: Guidance for School Food Authorities. This guidance provides clear information and guidance regarding the responsibilities that reside with the district or school or residential child care institution (RCCI)when it decides to contract with a Food Service Management Company (FSMC).

Audits have repeatedly revealed oversight deficiencies on the part of districts/schools/RCCIs when they use FSMCs. As a result, USDA has developed this guidance and revised its regulations to ensure districts/schools/RCCIs establish procedures and internal controls to benefit the child nutrition programs.

Contact this office at 518-473-8781 if you have questions on this guidance

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
  3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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