National School Lunch Program

The purpose of the National School Lunch Program is to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation's children, as declared in 1946 by Congress in the National School Lunch Act. The School Lunch Program makes it possible for schools to serve nutritious inexpensive lunches to students each day. Schools may also serve meals during summer months. Last school year, in NH, over 30 million meals were reimbursed. USDA provides program funding and administration.

Schools receive reimbursement for all meals which meet meal pattern requirements specified by the USDA in regulation CFR 210. Schools may qualify for higher "severe need" reimbursements if a specified percentage of their meals are served free or at a reduced price. In addition, meals must meet the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans when averaged over a week. There are four menu planning options available to schools. The Bureau of Nutrition Programs and Services provides technical assistance and guidance to schools to insure that the lunch program operates in accordance with the regulations of the National School Lunch Program.

The Department of Agriculture also donates surplus commodity foods for lunches served under the program. These foods are distributed by the Surplus Distribution Section of the Department of Administrative Services, nhsurplusfood@nhsa.state.nh.us, (603) 271-2602.

6 Cent Certification Compliance Documents Alternative Certification Resources and Training Materials for Six Cent Certification	Fresh & Delicious - Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs "A Call to Action" August 8, 2012 Mary Joan McLarney, MS, RD Program Nutritionist FNS-USDA-NERO
ACCUCLAIM Materials	Verification Documents
Application Materials - NSLP (Application Materials have been updated. Last year's forms will not be accepted)	Powerpoint Presentation "Fresh & Delicious Nutrition Standards in the NSLP - GRAINS October 3, 2012
Eligibility Manual for School Meals - Revised August 2012	Sanitation/HACCP Information
NSLP Communication and Policy Memos	Technical Advisory Ed 306.2, 306.4, 306.11
Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Instructions Paid Lunch Equity: Guidance for SY 2013-2014 USDA Memo 34-2013 2013 - 2014 Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) Pricing Tool	USDA Foods Update School Programs Newsletter
Local Wellness Policy Toolkit and Related Resources	Homeless Student Resources
Food Service Director list for the National School Lunch Program	Trainings

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