CANS section

Migrant children eligibility for free meals

The Department of Education has received several questions concerning the new free meal eligibility for migrant children. The questions have to do with families that have moved for a job in agriculture, which meets a very general definition of “migrant” but may not meet the income level requirement.

Families that meet the definition of “migrant” should be notified that they are eligible for free meals, as instructed in NSLP numbered memo NSLP 75.1 “Categorical Eligibility – Homeless, Migrant & Runaway Children” (available online at www.state.sd.us/deca/CSCF/CANS/Forms/index.htm). 

If the family advises the school that they are over income and wish to continue paying for their meals, it is acceptable to do that. Schools should keep a written record that shows the family was contacted, the name of the person who declined free meals, and the date they declined. Be sure that the meals are then claimed in the paid category. 

Questions concerning who should be considered migrant children can be directed to Jerry Meendering, Department of Education, at (605) 773-4437. 

Verification deadline for free and reduced lunch approaches

On Sept. 11, 2003, a final rule entitled “Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Schools – Verification Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements” was published. 

The new rule requires school food authorities (SFAs) to report their verification activity and results to their respective State agencies. Additionally, beginning in school year 2004-05, State agencies must report the SFA level data to the federal Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). Submission of this data on a SFA basis will enable State agencies and FNS to better understand certification errors and to improve oversight and technical assistance activities. This will help ensure that free and reduced price subsidized meals are provided only to eligible children.

Verification of free and reduced price meals for the 2004-05 school year is to be completed based on the number of applications on file as of Oct. 31. The deadline for local SFAs to finish this process is Dec. 15.

The verification summary report, now called Form 742SD, is due to Child and Adult Nutrition Services no later than March 1, 2005.

Due to these changes, NSLP Memo 51.1 was developed and mailed this fall. Please refer to that memo (available at www.state.sd.us/deca/CSCF/CANS/Forms/index.htm) for further details.

National teleseminar offered by American Dietetic Association

A national teleseminar, Welcome to Wellness: Putting New School Nutrition Legislation into Practice, will be offered Feb. 17, 2005. The seminar is hosted by the American Dietetic Association in conjunction with the School Nutrition Association. In the seminar, participants will:

• Review Section 204 of the recent Child Nutrition Authorization Act, which amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require a local wellness policy.
• Understand the components and requirements of the local wellness policy that must be in effect in each local education agency that operates school meal programs, no later than the first day of the 2006-2007 school year.
• Use examples of state and local policies that have been implemented to develop a local wellness policy that supports all components of a coordinated school health program.
• Form collaborative and cooperative teams to integrate nutrition initiatives for the future health and wellness of our youth.

For information, call 1-800-877-1600 and ask about the Welcome to Wellness teleseminar.

Back to Top