SNA USDA Regulations & Compliance — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary federal law authorizing the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)?
- Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (Correct answer)
- Child Nutrition Act of 1966
- Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
- Food and Nutrition Act of 2008
Correct answer: Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, originally signed in 1946, establishes the legal foundation for the NSLP and sets requirements for participating schools.
Question 2: Under USDA meal pattern requirements, what is the minimum daily grain component for a K-8 lunch?
- 1 ounce equivalent (Correct answer)
- 2 ounce equivalents
- 1.5 ounce equivalents
- 0.5 ounce equivalent
Correct answer: 1 ounce equivalent
USDA meal pattern requirements specify a minimum of 1 ounce equivalent of grains per day for grades K-8, with at least half of grains offered being whole grain-rich.
Question 3: What does the term 'Offer versus Serve' (OVS) mean in the school lunch context?
- Students may decline some food components while still receiving a reimbursable meal (Correct answer)
- Schools must offer every menu item to each student
- Cafeteria staff decide portion sizes for each student
- Parents pre-select meals for their children weekly
Correct answer: Students may decline some food components while still receiving a reimbursable meal
Offer versus Serve allows students to decline certain food components (while selecting a minimum number) and the meal still qualifies for federal reimbursement, reducing food waste.
Question 4: How many food components must a student select under OVS for a reimbursable lunch in the NSLP?
- At least 3 of the 5 components, including a fruit or vegetable (Correct answer)
- All 5 components
- At least 2 components of their choice
- At least 4 of the 5 components
Correct answer: At least 3 of the 5 components, including a fruit or vegetable
Under OVS for lunch, students must select at least 3 of the 5 meal components, and one of the selected items must be a fruit or vegetable (at least ½ cup).
Question 5: What is the USDA requirement for sodium reduction in school meals as of the current standards?
- Schools must meet Target 1 sodium limits and work toward further reductions (Correct answer)
- Sodium has no specific limit in school meals
- Schools must eliminate all added sodium by 2025
- Only canned foods are subject to sodium restrictions
Correct answer: Schools must meet Target 1 sodium limits and work toward further reductions
USDA has established phased sodium reduction targets, with Target 1 currently in effect. Schools must comply with these limits while preparing for additional reductions in future years.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the USDA Administrative Review conducted for school nutrition programs?
- To evaluate program compliance with federal regulations and meal requirements (Correct answer)
- To determine teacher satisfaction with cafeteria food
- To audit student enrollment numbers
- To assess the physical condition of kitchen equipment
Correct answer: To evaluate program compliance with federal regulations and meal requirements
USDA Administrative Reviews assess whether school nutrition programs comply with federal regulations, including meal patterns, counting and claiming procedures, and resource management.
SNA USDA Regulations & Compliance
What is the primary federal law authorizing the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)?