Event Calendars for Child Nutrition Reports for School Year 

Each month the reimbursement claim is due into our office by the 10th to assure that funds are sent to the district as soon as possible.   Each claim must be submitted for each month, including July.  Although no meals may be served, the top portion of the claim must be submitted each month.

Those who have the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grants will have a separate claim to submit.

From August to May/June edit-checks 1 and 2 for lunch must be documented for each school.  Maintain files in the school and have available for CRE Review.

Students may be claimed on the prior year's eligibility status up to the 1st 30 operating days of school.  The 30 day "grace period" ends when a new application is received and eligibility status determined or an new catagorically eligible list is received or 30 operating days have passed. 

Example:  If schools start August 19, the prior year’s applications may be used through September 30, or for the first 30 operational (school) days. This means that new applications would need to be submitted before the end of September.

When school starts each year, do not forget to update Medical Statements (if needed), which means having medical authorities to address the information on the “Certificate of Disability”, for those students with special dietary needs. 

Those school districts with After School Snack Programs must complete the first “On-Site Review” with-in the first four weeks after the After School Snack Program begins.  The second “On-Site Review” is due anytime during the next semester.  This record remains in the school and must be available for review.

October 1 Eligibility Report of the number of students eligible for free and reduced price meals is due in our office with the September Claim Reimbursement.  No claim will be paid until this report is submitted.  Watch for Commissioner’s Memos.

**You must make sure all reports show the same figures for free and reduced price students (APSCN and your Master List BEFORE THE APSCN CYCLE 2 REPORT IS SUBMITTED). Make sure students dropped before October 1 have been deleted). APSCN Cycle 2 Report is Due by October 15.

October 1 Verification process begins. The district must verify the required sample of applications (Hard Copies not Direct Certified) depending on which method (Random Sampling or Focused Sampling) of the total number of approved applications on file on October 1 (Hard Copies not Directly Certified, Migrant, Homeless, and Runaways list are to be included).  Direct Certification households, Migrant, Homeless and Runaway students are exempt from the verification process.   It is suggested that this process is started on October 1, to allow ample time.  Process must be completed by November 15.

November is usually the month that CREs/SMIs begin.  They continue until May. 

November 15, Verification Deadline - If it can not be completed, you must contact our office, in writing.  A letter must be sent to USDA requesting an extension of the deadline for you.  The Verification Summary Report must be sent to this office NO LATER THAN December 15, 2009.

On-Site Reviews must be completed by February 1, in all districts that have more than one serving site.  This record remains in the school and must be available for the CRE Review.

Severe Need Application will go out in January 2010.  The Severe Need “District’s Decision Form” is due into CNU by February 1, 2010 and  the District Application will be due in by February 26, 2010.

April -- Direct Certification is on the website (cnn.k12.ar.us) all districts must use. The Memo will not be mailed.

April or May Policy Statements and Agreements are mailed.  These are due into our office by May 15.

Seamless Summer Feeding Programs must have an on-site review completed of each site within 3 weeks of the start of the program.  Write Seamless Summer at the top of the claim.  For Year Round Schools Breaks Contact CNU Area Specialist.

Please refer to the “Arkansas Department of Education Nutrition News,” Calendar of Events to be informed about important dates regarding Child Nutrition Program operation.