Important Information

1.  Verification

Verification is confirmation of eligibility for free and reduced price meals under the NSLP and SBP. Verification is only required when eligibility is determined through the application process, not through direct certification conducted with an Assistance Program or officials or agencies that documented Other Source Categorical Eligibility. Verification must include either confirmation of income eligibility or confirmation that the child or any member of the household is receiving assistance under SNAP, FDPIR, or TANF or that a child is Other Source Categorically Eligible. Verification may include confirmation of any other information required on the application, such as household size.

For completing and reporting results, ADE's Child Nutrition Unit has provided a Step by Step Guide to Verification page.

This page has been updated with the 2017 Eligibility Guidance, Information and Forms.

The initial approval of applications for free and reduced price meals must be based on the information provided on the application. Eligibility is confirmed in the verification process.

Before beginning this process, please review Commissioner's Memo.

2. Non-Program Foods

School Program regulations at 7 CFR 210.14 (f) require all revenue from the sale of non-program foods to accrue to the nonprofit school food service account. Non-program food is defined as food sold in a school at any time or location on the school campus (other than reimbursable meals) purchased using funds from the non-profit school food service account. Please note that this is different from competitive food which is defined as all food (other than reimbursable meals) sold to students during the school day. The USDA Policy Memo #SP-13-2014 provides clarification on the requirements for the accrual of revenue from the sale of non-program food.  

3. Food Safety

All schools must have a written food safety plan in compliance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) program criteria.  A sample food safety plan is available below.  
Districts may use the below resources to build a Food Safety Plan that fits the needs of each school:
 
• Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Retail Food Establishments (please note the highlighted changes) – Arkansas State Board of Health – Effective September 7, 2019 (PDF) 
 

4. Professional Standards

Arkansas
 
Arkansas Department of Education – Rules Governing the Certification and Continuing Professional Development of Child Nutrition Directors, Managers and Workers, (March 14, 2005).
 
 
Nationwide
 
USDA has released the Professional Standards for State and Local School Nutrition Programs Personnel as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Final Rule.
 
This final rule establishes minimum professional standards for school nutrition personnel who manage and operate the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. The final rule institutes hiring standards for the selection of State and local school nutrition program directors, and requires all personnel in the school nutrition programs to complete annual continuing education/training. These regulations are expected to result in consistent, national professional standards that strengthen the ability of school nutrition professionals and staff to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
Effective Date:  July 1, 2015
 
SP 39-2016 Questions & Answers on the Final Rule “Professional Standards for the State and Local School Nutrition Program Personnel as Required by the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010”