USDAThese resources include monetary assistance to participating schools for meals served to students. These funds help to purchase equipment, pay food service staff, and purchase foods and supplies used to provide meals
In addition to financial assistance, the National School Lunch Program also purchases food items to be given to participating schools in the form of commodities.
All public schools in South Carolina participate in the National School Lunch Program. More than 84.2 million lunches were served during the 2008-2009 school year. Fifty-eight percent of these lunches were served free or at a reduced in price. On a typical day, 473,000 students were served lunch in South Carolina public schools. Federal funding for lunches totaled over $140.2 million.
Historically, South Carolina has been a leader in the School Lunch Program. A statewide school lunch program was developed in 1933 and the South Carolina state legislature passed a school lunch act in 1943, three years before the National School Lunch Act was passed in 1946.
All student meals that meet nutritional requirements are supported by Federal monies. Students from households with qualifying income may receive their lunches free or at a reduced price of $0.40.
Lunches supported by Federal dollars must meet specific nutrient requirements and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This means menus planned and offered to students must meet one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for calories and key nutrients. Meals are also expected to meet guidelines for lower fat, sodium and sugar content while including more fiber, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
For all other FNS nutrition assistance programs, State or local agencies, and their sub-recipients, must post the following Nondiscrimination Statement:
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
- fax:
(202) 690-7442; or
- email:
program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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