SNP State Matching

The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) provides state match funding annually to School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The funds are distributed in the spring semester each year. This funding supports the operation and administration of local school nutrition programs and is intended to supplement federal reimbursements.

Distribution of Funds

State match funding is issued as a lump sum payment to each local educational agency (LEA). The allocation is calculated based on the number of reimbursable lunches served during the previous school year.

Funds are deposited into the 143 Central Cafeteria Account for the school nutrition program. Funds must be expended within the fiscal year in which the transfer is authorized and used exclusively to support the school lunch program.

Statutory Requirements

The use of state match funds is governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-3-313, which outlines required expenditures for staffing and professional development in school nutrition programs.

Under this statute, ten percent (10%) of the state matching funds distributed to LEAs must be used for one or more of the following purposes:

  • Employment of a certified school nutrition program director
  • Employment of cafeteria managers or assistant managers accredited by the Tennessee School Food Service Association or working toward such accreditation through the National School Nutrition Association.
    • Please note that the Tennessee School Food Service Association is now known as the Tennessee School Nutrition Association (TSNA) and does not offer accreditations; however, the National School Nutrition Association does provide accreditation credentials.
  • Professional training programs for non-accredited school nutrition personnel

Allowable Training Costs

LEAs may elect to use all or a portion of the required 10% allocation for professional training purposes. Allowable training-related expenditures may include, but are not limited to:

  • Registration or tuition costs
  • Employee wages associated with training participation
  • Travel expenses
  • Lodging
  • Meals and allowable incidentals

Compliance and Oversight

LEAs are responsible for ensuring that state match funds are used in compliance with applicable state statutes and program requirements. Proper documentation should be maintained to demonstrate the allowable use of funds and adherence to fiscal-year spending timelines.