APS was thrilled that the Michigan budget provided funding to continue universal free lunch and breakfast for our students. It’s important to know that the funding is not paid to districts in advance, but reimbursed later only for full meals that qualify based on the state and federal requirements. District food service staff must follow those requirements for the district to be reimbursed by the state. Here are a couple quick points to understand. More details are below
It does not include individual items like a single milk, fruit or snack. Staff must provide a full meal that meets the qualifications listed below or students are charged for the meal.
It does not include additional servings.
Students can still purchase individual items or additional servings but they will be charged for them.
A reimbursable meal in Michigan schools requires offering at least three different food components: milk, fruit/vegetable, grains, and meat/meat alternate, with a minimum portion of fruit and/or vegetable. The specific components and portion sizes, including nutritional standards for calories, fat, and sodium, are set by federal guidelines overseen by the USDA and applied by the Michigan Department of Education. To receive reimbursement from the federal government, the meal must meet these requirements and be served to a student. If not, the student will be charged for it.
Food Components for a Reimbursable Meal:
A reimbursable meal must include at least three of the following five food components:
Fruit
Vegetables
Grains
Meat/Meat Alternate
Milk (fluid)
Key Requirements & Considerations:
Minimum Fruit/Vegetable: The meal must contain at least 1/2 cup of fruit and/or vegetable.
Offer Versus Serve (OVS): Students are offered a selection within each component and are required to take at least three components, including at least 1/2 cup of fruit and/or vegetables.
Variety: Schools can offer different choices within each component but must provide at least two types of milk (one being fat-free) and allow for different types of fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, frozen, or juice).
Nutritional Standards: Meals must also meet requirements for calorie, saturated fat, and sodium content, which are monitored at the federal level.
One Meal Per Day: Each student is eligible for one reimbursable breakfast and one reimbursable lunch per day, they must be full meals.
Serving Location: Meals must be served on campus and cannot be taken off-site for parents or others to pick up.