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What Is the National School Lunch Program?
The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day.
The program also incorporates wellness policies and Smart Snacks to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity at school.
Program Benefits
The National School Lunch Program:
- Provides access to balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy, helping students stay energized and focused throughout the day.
- Reduces food insecurity by ensuring students have reliable access to nutritious meals, which helps alleviate hunger and its negative effects.
- Supports healthy growth and development so students can thrive physically and mentally.
- Improves academic performance and behavior by giving students the nutrition they need to concentrate and succeed in the classroom.
What Role Do We Play?
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) administers the National School Lunch Program at the state level. We provide guidance, training, outreach and technical support to schools operating the program, and we ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Requirements for Sponsors
To become a sponsor of the National School Lunch Program, schools must complete the application process through FDACS.
Once approved, schools will be reimbursed by FDACS for each lunch and breakfast meal served, provided they meet established state and federal regulations.
Schools must:
- Attend a Child Nutrition Program training.
- Maintain documentation and verification of children's eligibility category and count meals by eligibility category (free, reduced-price and paid meals).
- Maintain meal production records and inventory records that document the amount and types of food served.
- Maintain records of on-site accountability reviews.
- Maintain records of all program income and expenditures.
FDACS will conduct periodic reviews of the school lunch and breakfast programs to ensure that program sponsors meet all requirements.
School Meals Administrative Review Summary
The School Meals Administrative Review (SMAR) is a comprehensive evaluation of school meal programs in schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. A SMAR is required every three years. Only reviews conducted during the current school year are included in the
SMAR Summaries
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