BENEFITS TO SMFCSD FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
For participating in the National School Lunch program (following the rules and regulations of ODECNS), SMFCSD receives federal and state aid (to help cover the cost of food and overhead) in the form of: 1) meal reimbursement, 2) commodity entitlement, and, 3) Title I funds (funds provided based on the economic level of a community (ie., free/reduced applications received and approved) to provide extra educational services that help students achieve at high levels and meet the local and state academic standards).
Meal Reimbursement
At the end of each month, SMFCSD files a claim for reimbursement with the ODECNS, reporting how many reimbursable meals (free, reduced or full price) were served during a particular month. The current reimbursement rates are:
FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT RATES | Description | Severe Need Lunch | Regular Lunch | Regular Breakfast | Severe Need Breakfast |
| Free | 2.70 | 2.68 | 1.46 | 1.74 |
| Reduced | 2.30 | 2.28 | 1.16 | 1.44 |
| Paid | .27 | .25 | .26 | .26 |
Commodity Entitlement
The USDA’s Schools/Child Nutrition Commodity Programs (S/CNP) support American agricultural producers by providing cash reimbursements for meals served in schools, but also by providing nutritious, USDA-purchased food to the National School Lunch Program. Donated commodities must be of domestic origin, and nearly 60 percent of the foods purchased for the S/CNP must be determined by the Department to be in surplus at the time of purchase.
In school year 2010, schools participating in the NSLP received commodity foods, called “entitlement” foods, at a value of 19.50 cents for each reimbursable lunch served. Schools can also get “bonus” commodities, as they are available through USDA’s price support and surplus removal programs.
Foods available in school year 2010 for the S/CNP include fruits and vegetables; meats; cheese or dry and canned beans; fruit juices; vegetable shortening and vegetable oils; peanut products; rice, cheese pasta products, flour and other grain products.
The USDA has worked to make improvements in its commodity food offerings to the schools. However, despite their efforts, many people still believe that those food offerings are inferior and unhealthy. In fact, the USDA is committed to providing high-quality, safe, nutritious products manufactured to standards that are equal to, or better than, their commercial counterparts. Currently the USDA is working with manufacturers to develop a healthier alternative product to replace the batter breaded chicken distributed to schools. We look forward to receiving an oven roasted chicken product sometime during the 2010-2011 school year.
Title I
Title I is the largest federal aid program for schools in the United States. Nationwide, more than 50,000 public schools (about 12.5) million students) receive Title I funds.
The government awards Title I money to schools based on the District's economically disadvantaged level - that is, the number of students receiving free or reduced lunch services. (Free or reduced lunch services are only available to districts participating in the National School Lunch Program.) The more students on the free/reduced program - the more money a school district receives.
In a school-wide program, schools can use Title I funds to upgrade the entire educational program of the school. Title I funds can be used to help all students meet the state standards.
