School Meal Programs: Sharing Information on Best Practices May Improve Programs' Operations
RCED-97-126
Published: May 21, 1997. Publicly Released: May 21, 1997.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed: (1) state and school food authorities'(SFA) management and operating practices that are generally recognized as best practices by Department of Agriculture (USDA), state, and other officials; (2) whether some of these best practices could be replicated by other states and SFAs; and (3) the training and technical assistance USDA provides to the states and SFAs to help them better manage and operate the school meal programs.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture | To improve the management and operation of the school meal programs, the Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator, Food and Consumer Service, to identify and encourage the adoption of best practices and to provide the necessary training and technical assistance to successfully transfer these practices to other states and SFAs, where appropriate. |
Closed – Not Implemented
While FCS was not opposed to the concept presented in the recommendation, it had reservations about the feasibility of developing a program of this type at this time due to agency resource limitations. FCS said that substantial staff resources would be needed to systematically identify and validate excellent management and operation practices of states and school fund authorities that may be replicated, and to disseminate the information nationwide. FCS will continue to share information and provide technical assistance to program operators through the National Food Service Management Institute, Food Nutrition Information Center of the National Agricultural Library, and the management evaluation process. However, FCS cannot commit to additional activity beyond this level without additional administrative funding. As FCS becomes aware of innovative practices that may benefit state and local operations, it will transfer or promote them to the extent the resources are available.
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Topics
Food programs for childrenEmployee trainingInformation systemsLocally administered programsPrivate sector practicesState and local procurementState-administered programsTechnical assistanceBest practicesAgricultural commodities