USDA-FNS-PRO-STANDARDS-FY2015

Grant

Discretionary

Food and nutrition

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010 (P.L. 111-296) made significant changes to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs in all aspects of program administration. These changes require that school nutrition personnel at every level of administration have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to properly operate and oversee the programs. Among these requirements, Section 306 of the Act directed the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish minimum national professional standards for all school nutrition employees who manage and operate the School Meal Programs. Establishing professional standards will ensure that school nutrition personnel have the knowledge and training necessary to perform their duties and responsibilities effectively. The proposed professional standards developed by USDA include minimum hiring standards for the selection of State directors and local school nutrition program directors; and continuing education/training requirements for all school nutrition program employees (79 FR 6488). We anticipate that a final rule will be issued in early 2015, with the final requirements tentatively targeted for implementation July 1, 2015. While there will be modifications to the proposed rule based on public comments, the general training topics set forth in the proposed rule cover all key aspects of School Meal Program administration and may be relied upon in developing a training program. This RFA is for a New Program and is a current fiscal year funding opportunity.