Finding Text
Federal Program & Assistance Listing Number: Child Nutrition Cluster- ALN: 10.553, 10.555, Criteria: Federal regulations require that elgibility determinations for free and reduced-price meals be accurate and that benefit issuance documents are update timely and accurately (7 CFR 245.6, 245.10). Condition: Several student applications were incorrectly approved. Additionally, benefit issuance documents were not updated in a timely manner for student newly eligible through Direct Certification. Household notification of denied benefits were not approved within 10 operating days as required. Cause: Inadequate training and oversight of staff responsible for application processing and benefit issurance. Effect: Students have received incorrect meal benefits, and households were not properly notified of denials, resulting in noncompliance with federal requirements. Questioned Costs: None identified. Recommendation: Provide additional training toi staff on application processing and benefit issurance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: The Child Nutrition Secretary will attend Certification and Benefit issuance training and procedures will be updated to ensure compliance. The direct will double-check questionable applications and review Direct Certification lists.