National School Lunch Program

Several schools are now using multi-purpose student identification ID cards for a variety of student privileges.  These may include buses, library services, and building entry, as well as for school meals.  The ID card is encoded with the child's eligibility for school meals.   The question often arises as to whether the child who receives free or reduced priced meals can be required to pay for replacement ID cards.  While USDA has not issued formal guidance on the issue of the replacement of the cards, they have established the following policy:

Children with Diabetes- A Resource Guide for Families and Schools from NYS Department of Health

The number of homeless children is our schools is increasing. As a result, schools are calling us regarding the documentation needed for a food allergy, or other serious health issue when the family doesn't have health insurance and cannot provide the required documentation of the child's medical situation. While the school can choose to accommodate something like a vegetarian meal (student choice) without much concern, it is a much different situation when a child has a special dietary need or disability.

Making Accommodations for Children with Celiac Disease

            More school food service directors/managers are making dietary accommodations for children who have been diagnosed with celiac disease.  Since this diagnosis is increasing, it is helpful for you to have a basic understanding of this illness so you and your staff can provide appropriate meals for children in your school.

Each school year, many school food authorities (SFAs) seek guidance to assist them with developing policies and plans that address keeping students with food allergies safe in the school environment.

Below are 4 sample prototype letters on changes in school meals for the 2012-2013 school year. Modify as necessary to accommodate your community.

Sample Prototype Family Letter 1

Sample Prototype Family Letter 2

Sample Prototype Family Letter 3

There are several companies that have relatively inexpensive signage available for purchase to illustrate USDA's MyPlate icon and/or ways to communicate the new meal pattern. We (the New York State Education Department) do not endorse or advocate specific companies or products. I just want to let you know of available options. Some districts are laminating the USDA posters.

If you decide to order your own signage using USDA's MyPlate materials, I have provided USDA's guide and conditions for using their icon.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (the Act), Public law 111-296, clarifies requirements for participation in evaluations, studies and research in the Child Nutrition Programs.

This memorandum is a reminder to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) of their responsibilities to Limited English Proficient (LEP) households in the upcoming 2012-2013 school year.  It reflects the guidance issued by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) in December of 2011, which may be referenced under

Recently, concerns have been raised about school employees allegedly misrepresenting their incomes on applications to receive free or reduced price school meals for their children.  As a result, USDA has been asked if a local education agency (LEA) may use the salary information of their own employees, maintained for business purposes, as a tool to implement verification for cause and help ensure the integrity of free and reduced price certifications.  This memorandum clarifies the use of verification for cause by LEAs in this manner..