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MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office for Nutrition, Health and Safety Programs. The Situation. Nationwide, program errors cost millions of dollars due to: administrative errors by school districts in processing applications and
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MA Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationOffice for Nutrition, Health and Safety Programs
The Situation • Nationwide, program errors cost millions of dollars due to: • administrative errors by school districts in processing applications and • errors by cashiers in counting reimbursable meals • (APEC Study, USDA FNS 2007)
The Situation • In Massachusetts, 360 schools evaluated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education revealed that 57% committed one or more administrative as well as school based errors. • (ESE CRE, 2006-2008)
The Situation • Central office errors included multi-site consolidation errors of • daily meal count records • Site errors included: • Incorrect identification of a reimbursable meal based on the type of menu planning used • Incorrect menu format • Errors filling in daily meal count records using traditional methods for consolidation such as non-point of service (POS) cash registers, non-electronic card systems and rosters
Massachusetts School Meals Accountability & Responsibility Trainings (SMARTTs) • The overall goal is to enhance the integrity, quality and accuracy of school meals operations and administration: • eradicating certification and • non-certification errors • improving personnel practices at all levels of school administration
Pilot Test 211 Participants from 11 Districts
Pilot Test Results 24-27% Increased knowledge of • Nation School Lunch Program required food components • Vegetable serving equivalents • Required vegetable servings in Offer vs Serve meal service 12-18% Increased knowledge of • Types of meals that are non-reimbursable • Minimum servings of meat/meat alternate in high school • Required signature for special dietary accommodations
Pilot Test Results 99% Ratedthe learning program very or somewhat useful 91% Increased confidence (confident-very confident) about identifying a reimbursable meal accurately and counting a reimbursable meal 91% Rated the learning program at their level
Testimony from Pilot Participants Participating Schools: Andover Auburn Granby Hampden-Wilbraham Hanover Lawrence Leicester Monson Pittsfield Worcester
Moving Forward… • Additional modules: • Meal Benefit Issuance • Meal Pattern Requirements for Breakfast • Identify a Reimbursable Breakfast • Resources for School Nutrition Directors • Spanish version of website and resources