Overview

School Nutrition Programs  |   Program Guidance  |   Forms  |   Resources  |   Nutrition Education

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that state agencies (SAs) conduct a comprehensive Administrative Review (AR) of all public schools, private schools, and residential child care institutions (RCCIs) that participate in the USDA school nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Afterschool Snack Program (ASP) of the NSLP, Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the NSLP, Special Milk Program (SMP), and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The AR requirements are defined in 7 CFR 210.18. 

The AR is the comprehensive evaluation of critical and general areas for all school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the NSLP, SBP, ASP, SSO, SMP, and FFVP. ARs are conducted by school nutrition programs staff from the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). The review cycle is every three years for each SFA and covers the areas below.

• Meal Access and Reimbursement
  • Certification and Benefit Issuance
  • Verification
  • Meal Counting and Claiming
• Meal Pattern and Nutrition Quality
  • Meal Components and Quantities
  • Offer versus Serve (OVS)
  • Dietary Specifications and Nutrient Analysis
• General Areas
  • Civil Rights
  • Local School Wellness Policy
  • Smart Snacks in Schools
  • Food Safety, Storage, and Buy American

The resources in the "Requirements and Guidance" section help SFAs prepare for the AR. For additional assistance, contact your CSDE school nutrition team member.