Special Milk Program

The issue of handling leftover food in school kitchens has been brought to our attention. In some instances there seems to be confusion about the proper procedures related to leftover food.

SFAs have asked if the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Food Service Equipment Assistance Grant, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grant are included in the child nutrition cluster.

The child nutrition cluster consists of the: School Breakfast Program CFDA 10.553, National School Lunch Program CFDA 10.555, Special Milk Program CFDA 10.556 and the Summer Food Service Program CFDA 10.559.

School Food Authorities (SFAs) expending more than $500,000 in Federal dollars must conduct single audits in accordance with OMB Circular A-133.

Both Federal regulations (3052.225) and Circular A-133 mandate that State agencies take immediate corrective action when sub-recipients (SFAs) either do not conduct single audits, or conduct single audits not in accordance with A-133.

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.

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

This memorandum serves as guidance on the requirements for preventing overt identification of children certified for free or reduced price school meals, and provides suggestions about methods school food authorities (SFAs) could use to avoid overt identification as much as possible.

Defining Overt Identification