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Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of the Eligibility Manual for School Meals?
What is the main purpose of the Eligibility Manual for School Meals?
In 2016, how many children participated in the National School Lunch Program each day on average?
In 2016, how many children participated in the National School Lunch Program each day on average?
30.3 million
What percentage of all lunches were served at the free and reduced-price rate?
What percentage of all lunches were served at the free and reduced-price rate?
73 percent
USDA is prohibited from discriminating based on marital status.
USDA is prohibited from discriminating based on marital status.
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What does CNP stand for?
What does CNP stand for?
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Which of the following is NOT a part of the Eligibility Manual sections?
Which of the following is NOT a part of the Eligibility Manual sections?
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The average number of children participating in the School Breakfast Program was ____ million.
The average number of children participating in the School Breakfast Program was ____ million.
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Match the following sections of the Eligibility Manual with their content:
Match the following sections of the Eligibility Manual with their content:
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What is the USDA's TARGET Center phone number?
What is the USDA's TARGET Center phone number?
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Which act provides statutory authority for the Child Nutrition Programs?
Which act provides statutory authority for the Child Nutrition Programs?
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All schools participating in the National School Lunch Program must provide free meals to eligible children.
All schools participating in the National School Lunch Program must provide free meals to eligible children.
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What must each Local Education Agency (LEA) have on file according to 7 CFR 245.10(a)?
What must each Local Education Agency (LEA) have on file according to 7 CFR 245.10(a)?
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The CNPs are administered by _____ at the Federal level.
The CNPs are administered by _____ at the Federal level.
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What must the public notice at the beginning of each school year include?
What must the public notice at the beginning of each school year include?
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Persons with disabilities have the right to alternative means of communication for program information.
Persons with disabilities have the right to alternative means of communication for program information.
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Which program allows LEAs to establish student eligibility for free meals using participant data from other means-tested programs?
Which program allows LEAs to establish student eligibility for free meals using participant data from other means-tested programs?
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Match the following regulatory authorities with their respective programs:
Match the following regulatory authorities with their respective programs:
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No person shall be subjected to discrimination under the CNPs on the grounds of _____, color, or national origin.
No person shall be subjected to discrimination under the CNPs on the grounds of _____, color, or national origin.
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What is the mail address for submitting completed forms or letters to USDA?
What is the mail address for submitting completed forms or letters to USDA?
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Which of the following methods can be used to submit completed forms or letters to USDA? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following methods can be used to submit completed forms or letters to USDA? (Select all that apply)
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Households enrolling new students in an LEA after the start of the school year must be provided an information letter and application.
Households enrolling new students in an LEA after the start of the school year must be provided an information letter and application.
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What must the LEA notify households of when a child is newly enrolled?
What must the LEA notify households of when a child is newly enrolled?
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What is the purpose of the Assistance Programs mentioned?
What is the purpose of the Assistance Programs mentioned?
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What are two common automated data matching processes for Direct Certification?
What are two common automated data matching processes for Direct Certification?
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A child's prior year eligibility remains in effect until a new eligibility determination is made.
A child's prior year eligibility remains in effect until a new eligibility determination is made.
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Which programs are mentioned as Assistance Programs that convey categorical eligibility?
Which programs are mentioned as Assistance Programs that convey categorical eligibility?
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What defines a 'Homeless' child in the context of eligibility?
What defines a 'Homeless' child in the context of eligibility?
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The process of determining children's eligibility without household application is called __________.
The process of determining children's eligibility without household application is called __________.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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An electronic signature is acceptable in the Child Nutrition Programs.
An electronic signature is acceptable in the Child Nutrition Programs.
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What are the eligibility criteria for children in a household if any member receives Assistance Program benefits?
What are the eligibility criteria for children in a household if any member receives Assistance Program benefits?
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Which of the following is an acceptable method for identifying Assistance Program eligible children?
Which of the following is an acceptable method for identifying Assistance Program eligible children?
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What is the Federal Poverty Level percentage for free school meal eligibility?
What is the Federal Poverty Level percentage for free school meal eligibility?
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What should LEAs do to ensure eligible children are connected with meal benefits?
What should LEAs do to ensure eligible children are connected with meal benefits?
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Which children are considered Other Source Categorically Eligible?
Which children are considered Other Source Categorically Eligible?
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Children enrolled in an eligible pre-kindergarten program with eligibility criteria more stringent than __________ are also categorically eligible for free meals.
Children enrolled in an eligible pre-kindergarten program with eligibility criteria more stringent than __________ are also categorically eligible for free meals.
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Which of the following are considered operating expenses? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are considered operating expenses? (Select all that apply)
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Income from self-employment must be reduced by the amount of business loss.
Income from self-employment must be reduced by the amount of business loss.
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What types of income must be reported by a household with rental properties?
What types of income must be reported by a household with rental properties?
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Name one type of income included for non-deployed service members.
Name one type of income included for non-deployed service members.
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What is true about foster child's income when applying for benefits?
What is true about foster child's income when applying for benefits?
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Infrequent earnings, such as occasional baby-sitting, must be listed as income on the application.
Infrequent earnings, such as occasional baby-sitting, must be listed as income on the application.
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Match the following types of benefits or payments with their descriptions:
Match the following types of benefits or payments with their descriptions:
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Which of the following payments are excluded from a household’s eligibility determination for meal benefits? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following payments are excluded from a household’s eligibility determination for meal benefits? (Select all that apply)
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When should schools distribute information about the application?
When should schools distribute information about the application?
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Schools may require all households to complete and submit an application for free and reduced price meals.
Schools may require all households to complete and submit an application for free and reduced price meals.
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What income levels may the application and any descriptive materials contain for free school meals?
What income levels may the application and any descriptive materials contain for free school meals?
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What does 'Without Further Application' mean?
What does 'Without Further Application' mean?
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What must households provide on a free and reduced price application?
What must households provide on a free and reduced price application?
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Income from trusts or estates is considered when determining household reportable income.
Income from trusts or estates is considered when determining household reportable income.
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What does LEA stand for?
What does LEA stand for?
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In joint custody situations, which benefit level is used for determining meal benefits?
In joint custody situations, which benefit level is used for determining meal benefits?
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Households may report _____ income on their applications.
Households may report _____ income on their applications.
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Match the following special situations with their descriptions:
Match the following special situations with their descriptions:
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Study Notes
USDA Food and Nutrition Services Overview
- The USDA Food and Nutrition Services oversees Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs) to support children's nutrition and academic success.
- In 2016, an average of 30.3 million children participated in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and 14.5 million in the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
Key Updates and Policies
- This edition incorporates clarifications made since July 2016 with important changes highlighted in yellow.
- USDA prohibits discrimination in programs funded by its agencies based on various factors, ensuring equal access to services.
Application and Eligibility Determination
- The Eligibility Manual provides guidelines for determining and verifying children's eligibility for free and reduced-price meals and free milk.
- Key eligibility categories include income-based eligibility, categorical eligibility (from assistance programs), and area eligibility.
Application Process and Verification
- Sections in the manual guide the processing of applications, the verification procedure, and the management of household notifications regarding eligibility.
- Emphasis is placed on reducing administrative errors and paperwork while maintaining strong accountability.
Confidentiality and Disclosure
- Strict confidentiality requirements protect student privacy in eligibility determinations.
- Disclosure of eligibility status is regulated, requiring specific protocols to prevent overt identification of participants.
Statutory and Regulatory Framework
- The CNPs are governed by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
- Relevant regulations are found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) regarding various programs, including provisions for free and reduced-price meals.
Role of State and Local Agencies
- State designated agencies administer CNPs, and local educational agencies (LEAs) ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
- The manual serves as a resource for State and local procedures to effectively manage eligibility and improve program integration.
Outreach and Accessibility Measures
- Public outreach requirements are established to ensure that eligible families are aware of their rights and available services.
- Accessibility measures are in place to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining program information.
Appendices and Additional Resources
- The manual includes appendices with policy statements, prototype applications, and additional resources for LEAs.
- Guidance for Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) eligibility also featured in the manual.### Overview of Child Nutrition Programs (CNPs)
- State agencies must provide guidance on free and reduced price meals to Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
- LEAs are responsible for implementing these guidelines and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations regarding meal benefits.
Key Requirements
- All schools in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) must provide free and reduced price meals to eligible children.
- Schools participating in the Special Milk Program (SMP) are required to offer free milk to eligible children.
- Discrimination based on race, color, or national origin is prohibited in the CNPs.
Policy Statements
- LEAs involved in NSLP and SBP must have an approved free and reduced price policy statement filed with the appropriate state agency.
- A single policy statement can cover multiple programs if needed.
- Policy statements must be submitted for approval when an LEA starts participating in these programs and updated when substantive changes occur.
Public Outreach Requirements
- Public notices about meal availability must be disseminated at the beginning of each school year, including eligibility criteria.
- Notifications must reach local news media, unemployment offices, and major employers.
- LEAs are encouraged to keep families informed year-round through various communication methods.
Disability Accommodations
- Effective communication must be ensured for applicants and participants with disabilities, complying with USDA regulations.
- Information and assistance must be accessible in alternative formats and languages for individuals with limited English proficiency.
Media Release Requirements
- Public media releases must include Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) relevant to free and reduced price meals.
- Notifications of eligibility will be based on participation in various assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, TANF).
Information Letters to Households
- Schools must send information letters to families about meal benefits when children enroll.
- All children in income-eligible households are entitled to meal benefits regardless of immigration status.
- Direct certification simplifies the eligibility process by using data from assistance programs.
Direct Certification Process
- Direct certification allows LEAs to confirm eligibility without requiring an application, based on data from means-tested programs.
- Notifications of eligibility must be provided to households, ensuring privacy for identified eligible children.
Eligibility Determinations
- Eligibility for free meals is categorical based on participation in specified assistance programs.
- Foster children and other designated categories (e.g., homeless, migrant) qualify for meal benefits automatically.
Definitions
- Assistance Programs: Programs that provide automatic eligibility for free meals to all children in participating households.
- Categorical Eligibility: Automatic qualification for benefits through certain participation criteria.
- Carryover of Eligibility: Prior year's eligibility continues for 30 operating days into the new school year unless a new determination is made.
Nondiscrimination Statement
- USDA prohibits discrimination in federal assistance programs based on various factors.
- Complaints about discrimination can be filed online or through postal, fax, or email submissions.
Handling Late Enrollment
- New students enrolling after school starts must receive information letters, and eligibility must be determined promptly.
- LEAs have ten operating days to provide notification of meal benefits after receiving an application from new households.### Other Source Categorically Eligible Designation
- Categorical eligibility includes homeless, runaway, migrant, foster children, and those enrolled in federally-funded preschool programs.
- A child’s eligibility does not extend to other household members.
- Documentation confirming eligibility is required for all categories except foster children.
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Schools can be reimbursed based on the percentage of students typically certified for free meals, bypassing individual applications.
- Useful for schools with high numbers of low-income students.
Determining Eligibility
- A Determining Official from the local educational agency (LEA) is responsible for confirming children's eligibility for free or reduced price meals.
- LEA retains ultimate responsibility for compliance and data confidentiality.
Direct Certification Processes
- Direct Certification allows identification of children eligible for free benefits without household application.
- Automated data matching is used to match SNAP and other assistance program beneficiaries with free meal eligibility.
- Letters from programs like TANF can verify eligibility but not all are considered direct certification for reporting.
Direct Verification
- Uses public records to confirm eligibility, including Medicaid or CHIP.
- Can be utilized for specific applications or samples.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Provides USDA foods to low-income households on reservations and nearby areas.
- Children in FDPIR-eligible households automatically qualify for free school meals.
Definitions and Criteria
- Foster Child: Must be in formal placement with legal custody remaining with the State.
- Homeless Situation: Defined by lack of stable nighttime residence as identified by officials.
- Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs): Established annually, with free meal eligibility set at 130% of federal poverty level; reduced price meals at 185%.
Local Educational Agency (LEA) Overview
- LEA is responsible for public school administration in specified regions, ensuring program compliance.
Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
- Entities receiving federal assistance must ensure access for individuals with limited English skills.
Special Categorical Eligibility Designations
- Includes categories for children in Head Start programs, those identified as homeless or migrant, and assistance program participants.
- Runaways receive support under relevant youth assistance acts.
Overt Identification Prevention
- Schools must ensure children’s eligibility status is confidential to prevent stigmatization during meal service.
Reduced Price Meals and Definitions
- Reduced price meals have specific pricing caps for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
- RCCI is defined for institutions providing long-term care to children.
Application and Information Distribution
- Information regarding eligibility must be distributed early in the school year, with application deadlines aligned with the school calendar.
- Applications cannot be mandatory; they are optional while awareness of eligibility must be provided.
Household Composition for Eligibility
- Economic unit consists of individuals sharing housing and financial responsibilities.
- Special considerations include adopted children, and those residing in or temporarily attending institutional care.
Summary of Key Programs and Assistance
- SNAP and TANF provide automatic eligibility for families, enhancing access to school meal programs.
- Effective designations help streamline the process of allocating benefits to eligible children in need.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the eligibility criteria and verification processes for school meals as outlined by the USDA. This quiz covers significant updates and guidance provided in the manual from July 2017. Perfect for educators and nutrition program staff!
