Finding Text
Child Nutrition Cluster – Eligibility Criteria or specific requirement Per 7 CFR 245.6(c), eligibility for free or reduced price meals, as determined through an approved application or by direct certification, must remain in effect for the entire school year and for up to 30 operating days into the subsequent school year. When using a prior year’s application or completion of direct certification, that eligibility status may only be used for up to 30 operating days in the current school year, or until a new eligibility determination is made, whichever comes first. Condition During testing, auditor determined that 24 students had an incorrect eligibility status utilized for a portion of the school year. Context Staff in charge of the food service eligibility determinations did not realize that there were students still utilizing their prior year application or direct certification past the 30 day rollover period. They did not become aware of this until the end of the first semester, at which time, they sent letters to the households requesting that new applications be submitted. If a new application was not received, they were then switched to paid. Of the original sample that the auditor tested, 1 student was found to have utilized their prior year application for eligibility for the entire year. Auditor also analyzed the remaining student population and inquired about any students that had differing eligibility statuses at various points throughout the year. 23 of those students’ changes resulted from the error with the rollover period. Cause The issue was caused by turnover within the District and a lack of sufficient training. Effect Households received benefits that they were not eligible for. For the 24 students, meals were estimated to have been improperly reimbursed in the amount of $2,205. This amount was calculated based upon the number of free or reduced meals that they received, while also considering the reimbursement rate of the correct eligibility status that they were eventually moved to. Recommendation We recommend that the District look for training opportunities for food service staff members to ensure that they have a good understanding of the program’s compliance requirements. Additionally, all students receiving free or reduced price meal benefits should be reviewed to ensure that they have a valid application or direct certification on file. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions See Corrective Action Plan.