Finding Text
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
In a population over 250, we haphazardly selected 40 students from a listing of students who received free or
reduced meals. We noted exceptions in 23 of the applications tested.
Questioned Costs
None
Context
40 applications were selected from a population over 250. The sample was not statistically valid.
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
Students received a benefit that they were not eligible for.
Repeat Finding
No.
Recommendation
The District should implement policies and procedures to ensure all students who receive a free or reduced
meal have a current and accurate application on file.
Corrective Action Taken
The District agrees with the recommendation and will review its policies and procedures.