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Lunch Program

  • SERVICE OR PROGRAM: National School Lunch Program
  • AUTHORITY: Federal: National School Lunch Act, as amended
  • SERVICE OR PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  Local Education Agencies shall ensure that participating schools provide nutritious and well balanced lunches to children.

Lunches shall provide:

  • one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C in accordance with the appropriate levels provided in paragraphs 210.10(c), (d) or (i)(1), whichever is applicable;
     
  • provision of the lunch time energy allowances based on appropriate age or grade groups in accordance with the levels provided in paragraphs 210.10(c), (d) or (i)(1), whichever is applicable; and
     
  • the applicable recommendations of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Schools may use four alternative menu planning methods in order to meet lunch requirements and the appropriate nutrient and energy levels:
     
    • Nutrient Standard Menu Planning
    • Assisted Nutrient Standard Menu Planning
    • Enhanced Food Based Menu Planning
    • Traditional Food Based Menu Planning

Compliance with the nutrition standards and the nutrient and calorie levels shall be determined by averaging lunches offered over a school week.
Children from low-income families are extended lunches free or at a reduced price of 40 cents or less based on Temporary Assistance/Food Stamp eligibility or according to a family size and income scale announced annually by the Secretary of  Agriculture.
 
  • ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: All children enrolled in a public or nonprofit private school of high school grade or under are eligible to participate.
  • FUNDING OR GRANTS AVAILABLE: Funding is in the form of reimbursement based on rates assigned per paid, reduced price, and free lunches served to children.

 

 

Full Price Lunch

Reduced Price Lunch

Free Lunch
Basic Reimbursement Rates
(2011-2012)

.26

2.37

2.77
Severe Reimbursement Rates
(2011-2012)

.28

2.39

2.79
  • ACCESS PROCEDURES: The Department provides schools with the necessary application-agreement forms via the Web in August.  Application Renewal should be submitted by September 15, but not later than September 30.
  • CONTACT PERSON:

Coordinator, School Food Services
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
P. O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Telephone: (573) 751-3526