All local education authorities (LEAs) participating in the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs must be in compliance with the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (HHFKA) meal pattern in order to receive the additional reimbursement (currently $0.08) for lunches served. The additional funds are awarded at the sponsor level, but each site under the sponsorship must demonstrate daily and weekly meal component compliance and nutrient assessment for each specific grade group it serves. LEAs are required to demonstrate through a USDA approved certification tool that the meal pattern requirements are met. Meal pattern requirements include required daily and weekly serving amounts of all components as well as assessment of the dietary specifications (calories, saturated fat, and sodium).New sponsor menus will be certified prior to being approved for meal claiming. Ongoing demonstration of compliance will be identified during Administrative Reviews of USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
Indiana Department of Education