Superintendents
Co-op Directors
other: Child Nutrition Directors

Regulatory Authority:
7CFR Parts 15b,210,220,245,250,3015 Ark. Code Ann. 6-20-222,6-18-705,6-21-304

Phone Number:
501-324-9502

E-mail:
bsmith@arkedu.k12.ar.us

The attached guidance on Child Nutrition Programs answers the questions most frequently asked by administrators and directors. Should you need additional information concerning these or other child nutrition issues, contact your area specialist at (501) 324-9502 or at 2020 West Third Street, Suite 404, Little Rock, AR 72205-4465.

1. AGREEMENT/SCHEDULE A & POLICY STATEMENT FOR 1999-2000
A. AGREEMENT page 3
B. SCHEDULE A page 3
C. SCHOOL BREAKFAST MANDATE page 3
D. POLICY STATEMENT page 3
E. AFTER SCHOOL SNACK PROGRAM……………………………………page 3
2. CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT page 3
3. COMMODITIES page 4
4. CONFIDENTIALITY OF APPLICATION/DIRECT CERTIFICATION
A. SINGLE CHILD/MULTI CHILD APPLICATION page 4
B. DIRECT CERTIFICATION page 4
C. APSCN ACCESS TO STUDENT MEAL ELIGIBILITY page 5
D. POLICY FOR PROTECTION OF STUDENTS ……………………………page 5
E. DISCLOSURE OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER………………………. page 5
F. WAIVER OF CONFIDENTIALITY page 5
G. EXCEPTIONS/LIMITED DISCLOSURE…………………………………..page 6
H. PENALTIES FOR IMPROPER DISCLOSURE…………………………….page 7
5. ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE/REDUCED PRICE MEALS page 7
A. APPLICATIONS page 7
B. DIRECT CERTIFICATION page 7
C. EXPANDED PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM page 8
D. HOMELESS STUDENTS page 8
E. PRIOR YEAR page 8
F. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT APPLY page 9
G. VERIFICATION OF APPLICATIONS………………………………………page 9
6. MENU PLANNING OPTIONS page 9
A. MILK REQUIREMENT page 10
B. ADDITIONAL BEVERAGES page 10
C. GRAINS/BREADS REQUIREMENT page 10
D. CN LABELS/NUTRIENT INFORMATION page 10
E. OFFER VS. SERVE page 11
F. MEAL SERVICE FOR ONE TO FIVE YEAR OLDS page 11
G. COMBINATION FOOD ITEMS FOR BREAKFAST page 11
H. YOGURT AS MEAT ALTERNATE………………………………………..page 12
7. MEAL SERVICE
A. A LA CARTE, CONTRACT MEALS page 12
B. TAKING FOOD FROM THE CAFETERIA page 12
C. CAFETERIA SUPERVISION page 12
D. DISCIPLINARY DENIAL OF MEALS page 12
E. FOODS OF MINIMAL NUTRITIONAL VALUE & EXEMPTIONS page 13
F. MEAL PRICES page 13
F1. MAXIMUM REDUCED PRICE FOR STUDENTS page 13
F2. ADULTS page 13
G. MEAL TICKETS - LOST, STOLEN & MISUSED page 14
H. PROVIDING MEALS FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT BRING
MONEY OR A MEAL TO SCHOOL page 15
I. SECOND LUNCHES & BREAKFASTS FOR STUDENTS page 15
J. SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS page 16
J1. SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES page 16
J2. MEAL SUBSTITUTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITHOUT DISABILITIES page 16
8. MONITORING
A. SCHOOL DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITY page 17
B. STATE AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY………………………….………… page 17
9. PROCUREMENT page 18
A. BUY AMERICAN page 18
B. DEBARMENT & SUSPENSION page 19
C. SALES TAX page 19
D. EXCLUSIVE BEVERAGE AND SNACK CONTRACTS…………………page 19
E. ALLOWABLE/UNALLOWABLE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES………page 19
10. PROGRAM FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
A. REVENUE/EXPENDITURES & NON-ALLOWABLE COSTS page 20
B. INVESTING FUNDS page 21
C. LOANS page 22
11. RECORD RETENTION page 22

PAPER COPY TO BE MAILED TO SUPERINTENDENTS.