MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office for Nutrition, Health and Safety Programs

The Situation Nationwide, program errors cost millions of dollars due to: administrative errors by school districts in processing applications and errors by cashiers in counting reimbursable meals (APEC Study, USDA FNS 2007)

In Massachusetts, 360 schools evaluated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education revealed that 57% committed one or more administrative as well as school based errors. (ESE CRE, ) The Situation

Central office errors included multi-site consolidation errors of daily meal count records Site errors included: Incorrect identification of a reimbursable meal based on the type of menu planning used Incorrect menu format Errors filling in daily meal count records using traditional methods for consolidation such as non-point of service (POS) cash registers, non-electronic card systems and rosters The Situation

Massachusetts School Meals Accountability & Responsibility Trainings (SMARTTs) The overall goal is to enhance the integrity, quality and accuracy of school meals operations and administration: eradicating certification and non-certification errors improving personnel practices at all levels of school administration

Pilot Test 211 Participants from 11 Districts

Pilot Test Participants

Pilot Test Results 24-27% Increased knowledge of Nation School Lunch Program required food components Vegetable serving equivalents Required vegetable servings in Offer vs Serve meal service 12-18% Increased knowledge of Types of meals that are non-reimbursable Minimum servings of meat/meat alternate in high school Required signature for special dietary accommodations

Pilot Test Results 99% Rated the learning program very or somewhat useful 91% Increased confidence (confident-very confident) about identifying a reimbursable meal accurately and counting a reimbursable meal 91% Rated the learning program at their level

Identify a Reimbursable Meal part 1

Testimony from Pilot Participants Participating Schools: Andover Auburn Granby Hampden-Wilbraham Hanover Lawrence Leicester Monson Pittsfield Worcester

Moving Forward… Additional modules: Meal Benefit Issuance Meal Pattern Requirements for Breakfast Identify a Reimbursable Breakfast Resources for School Nutrition Directors Spanish version of website and resources