Tennessee Recognized for Best Practices in School Nutrition Program

NASHVILLE – As a result of years of dedication and commitment to children, the Tennessee Departments of Education and Human Services have been recognized as leaders in effectively reaching over 90 percent of students eligible for free school meals through a process called “direct certification”. This process allows children to be eligible for the school meals programs without a lengthy application process.

Tennessee was one of seven states recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture in its December 2008 report to Congress for best practices in identifying and providing students with free meals whose families already receive food stamp benefits, ultimately eliminating the need to fill out a paper application.

“The school nutrition program provides students with healthy meals that give them the fuel they need to be successful in the classroom,” Governor Phil Bredesen said. “It is critical that we identify children who need this resource the most. I am proud that Tennessee is a leader in effectively reaching these children.”

Tennessee has helped school districts conduct direct certification matches since 1992, with help from the Department of Human Services which provides a list of children ages 4-22 who receive food stamp benefits each year to the Department of Education, with continued updates throughout the school year. Local districts may conduct additional matches throughout the year, increasing the likelihood that more food-insecure children will be enrolled for free school meals.

“We know that hungry children cannot learn,” Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. “Our partnership with DHS and the school districts throughout the state make this success possible. This program ensures that our students are receiving nutritious meals every school day.”

To view to full report, please visit www.fns.usda.gov/oane/MENU/Published/recentreleases.htm.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us. 
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