Finding 1096769 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency
Requirement
N
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-01-28

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: Schools must comply with the Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) requirements to ensure meal pricing is fair across programs.
  • Impacted Requirements: SFAs with negative balances must adjust lunch prices using the PLE calculator; those with positive or zero balances can apply for an exemption.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: Ensure all SFAs submit the exemption form by the deadline to avoid non-compliance for SY 23-24.

Finding Text

The Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) is a requirement under Section 205 of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 for all schools with pricing programs that participate in National School Lunch Program. A PLE calculator is available for Districts to utilize to increase paid meals to be more equal with funds brought in from free and reduced-price meal reimbursements. School Food Authority (SFA) with a negative balance are required to complete the PLE tool increase lunch prices as indicated on the tool. Any SFA with a positive or zero balance in its nonprofit school food service account as of June 30, 2022, is exempt from PLE pricing requirements found at 7 CFR 210.14(e) for SY 23-24. To be considered for the exemption for SY 23-24, SFAs need to submit an exemption form.

Categories

School Nutrition Programs Cash Management

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 520327 2024-002
    Significant Deficiency

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
84.027 Special Education_grants to States $195,280
84.425 Education Stabilization Fund $125,084
84.010 Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies $104,655
32.009 Emergency Connectivity Fund Program $38,882
10.553 School Breakfast Program $33,747
10.555 National School Lunch Program $24,746
84.367 Improving Teacher Quality State Grants $24,063
93.778 Medical Assistance Program $10,495
84.424 Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program $10,000
84.173 Special Education_preschool Grants $9,980
10.649 Pandemic Ebt Administrative Costs $653