Legal References

If you have questions regarding waiver, policies and procedures, Maine and Federal regulations, please contact a member of the Child Nutrition staff. 

Child Nutrition programs are governed by federal and state laws and regulations. Federal laws are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, and state laws are administered by the Maine Department of Education. School districts in the National School Lunch Program must follow USDA regulations for federally subsidized meals and for all foods sold outside of the National School Lunch Program. Information on current federal regulations, State of Maine laws, and links to USDA memorandums are provided below.

COVID-19 Waivers and Memos - Issued by USDA
COVID-19 Waiver Requests - Requested by MDOE Child Nutrition

DOE Child Nutrition Policies and Procedures

National School Lunch Program

LEA Notification of Eligibility for District Wide CEP Eligibility Provision
Child Nutrition Appeal Process 
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) School Selection Procedure 
Withholding Standard Operating Procedure
Professional Standards for School Food Service

Civil Rights

Civil Rights Addressing ADA Policy 
Civil Rights Limited English Proficiency Procedure 
Civil Rights Responsibility and Rights Sharing Policy 

USDA Food

USDA Commodity Warehouse Inventory and Reconciliation Procedure
USDA Food Adjusting Values of Food for Recipient Agencies 
USDA Food Pre-Survey or Preferred Items 
Warehouse Safety and Sanitation Review Procedure 

Waste

Waste Control and Donations 

Federal Guidance and Memos

USDA Policy Memos - Not COVID-19 Related
USDA Guidance and Resources
USDA FNS Documents & Resources
USDA Memo SP 16-2016 Disclosure Requirements for the Child Nutrition Program
Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs (FBG) Interactive Web-Based Tool
Direct Certification in the NSLP This report responds to the requirement of Public Law 110-246 to assess the effectiveness of State and local efforts to directly certify children for free school meals. 
Get the Facts About Food Safety Addresses common myths and misconceptions related to food safety when incorporating locally grown foods in school meals.
Unpaid meal charges resources for SFAs

      Maine Statutes, Regulations, Policy, and Legislation

      Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act link to USDA; regulations and legislation related to the 2010 act to reform child nutrition programs
      Maine Department of Education Administrative Letters
      Maine State Legislature Bill Search
      Special Provisions
      Summary of Legislative Bills for Child Nutrition

       

      Advertising on School Grounds: Maine Statues: Title 20 A: Chapter 223, Sub Chapter 9, 6662

       §6662. Foods outside school meal program

      3.Food and beverage advertising. Brand-specific advertising of food or beverages is prohibited in school buildings or on school grounds except for food and beverages meeting standards for sale or distribution on school grounds in accordance with rules adopted under subsection 2.

      For the purposes of this subsection, "advertising" does not include advertising on broadcast media or in print media such as newspapers and magazines, clothing with brand images worn on school grounds or advertising on product packaging.

      USDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Rules

      Civil Rights Guidance USDA Code of Federal Regulations - Federal Register for all departments and agencies of the Federal Government
      Part 15b. Nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance
      Super Circular 200

        Waiver Requests

        Four Waivers for 2022 SFSP Operations
        Waiver Request to Eliminate DOD Program
        Meal Accountability All Free Program
        DOD Waiver
        Five Year Cycle Waiver