Audit 379288

Federal Program Child Nutrition Cluster (AL 10.553 & 10.555) Eligibility Criteria Per Uniform Guidance, a child’s eligibility for free and reduced price meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnishes such information as family income and family size. Local education agencies determine eligibility by comparing the data reported by the child’s household to published income eligibility guidelines. Condition We noted during our testing that a student received free meals when they only qualified for reduced meals. Questioned Costs None Context In a population over 250, 40 students who received free meals in FY25 based off of FY25 applications, were haphazardly selected for testing. We noted 1 student received free meals in FY25 but only qualified for reduced meals. Cause The District does not have controls in place to ensure that all students who receive a free or reduced meal qualify for the benefit. Effect A student received a benefit that they were not eligible for. Repeat Finding Yes. Prior Audit Finding 2024-004. Recommendation The District should implement policies and procedures to ensure all students who receive a free or reduced meal qualify for the benefit they receive. Corrective Action Taken The District agrees with the recommendation and will review its policies and procedures.