Child Nutrition Cluster:
National School Lunch Program (Assistance Listing # 10.555)
School Breakfast Program (Assistance Listing # 10.553)
Summer Food Service Program for Children (Assistance Listing # 10.559)
Compliance Requirement: Eligibility
Criteria
Children from households with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible to receive meals or milk free under the School Nutrition Programs. Children from households with incomes above 130 percent but at or below 185 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible to receive reduced price meals. Persons from households with incomes exceeding 185 percent of the poverty level pay the full price (7 CFR sections 245.2, 245.3, and 245.6; section 9(b)(1) of the NSLA (42 USC 1758 (b)(1)); sections 3(a)(6) and 4(e) of the CNA (42 USC 1772(a)(6) and 1773(e))).
Condition
A sample of 40 students receiving benefits were selected to be tested under the Child Nutrition Cluster program. Two students received free lunch benefits who should have received reduced lunch benefits. In this instance, income was incorrectly calculated when determining eligibility, causing an incorrect certification. Additionally, one student was denied lunch benefits but should have received free lunch benefits. Known and likely questioned costs were determined not to be material or exceed $25,000. The sampling methodology used was not statistically valid.
Cause
Adequate oversight of the eligibility determination process was not in place in order to identify mistakes in determining eligibility.
Effect
Without demonstrable, documented controls supporting compliance with Child Nutrition compliance standards, compliance with the requirements may not be assured.
Recommendation
The School District institute additional procedures to ensure that eligibility determinations are made correctly. The School District should ensure that the household number and income be compared to the National Income Eligibility Guidelines to calculate whether the student qualifies for free or reduced lunch.
Corrective Action Plan
The School District became Community Eligible in 2023-2024 and all students are now eligible to receive free meals without the requirement to submit an eligibility application. However, students may qualify for other benefits based on their eligibility for free or reduced priced meals. Beginning in 2023-2024, Hyde Park CSD is utilizing the service of the Capital Region BOCES Food Service Management Program which includes review and oversight of the eligibility applications to ensure compliance.
Responsible School District Official
Director of Food Services
Completion Date
June 30, 2024
Linda Steinberg, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations