42 U.S.C. § 1769i | Program evaluation

(a)

Performance assessments

(1)

In general

42 U.S.C. 1771Subject to the availability of funds made available under paragraph (3), the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service, may conduct annual national performance assessments of the meal programs under this chapter and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( et seq.).

(2)

Components

In conducting an assessment, the Secretary may assess—

(A)

the cost of producing meals and meal supplements under the programs described in paragraph (1); and

(B)

the nutrient profile of meals, and status of menu planning practices, under the programs.

(3)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2004 and each subsequent fiscal year.

(b)

Certification improvements

(1)

In general

Subject to the availability of funds made available under paragraph (5), the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service, shall conduct a study of the feasibility of improving the certification process used for the school lunch program established under this chapter.

(2)

Pilot projects

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may conduct pilot projects to improve the certification process used for the school lunch program.

(3)

Components

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall examine the use of—

(A)

other income reporting systems;

(B)

an integrated benefit eligibility determination process managed by a single agency;

(C)

income or program participation data gathered by State or local agencies; and

(D)

other options determined by the Secretary.

(4)

Waivers

(A)

In general

42 U.S.C. 1771Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may waive such provisions of this chapter and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( et seq.) as are necessary to carry out this subsection.

(B)

Provisions

section 1758(b)(6) of this titleThe protections of shall apply to any study or pilot project carried out under this subsection.

(5)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection such sums as are necessary.

(c)

Cooperation with program research and evaluation

42 U.S.C. 1771States, State educational agencies, local educational agencies, schools, institutions, facilities, and contractors participating in programs authorized under this chapter and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( et seq.) shall cooperate with officials and contractors acting on behalf of the Secretary, in the conduct of evaluations and studies under those Acts.

June 4, 1946, ch. 281, § 28 Pub. L. 108–265, title I, § 129June 30, 2004118 Stat. 767 Pub. L. 111–296, title III, § 305Dec. 13, 2010124 Stat. 3243(, as added , , ; amended , , .)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Pub. L. 89–642Oct. 11, 196680 Stat. 885 section 1771 of this titleThe Child Nutrition Act of 1966, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (b)(4)(A), and (c), is , , , which is classified generally to chapter 13A (§ 1771 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under and Tables.

Those Acts, referred to in subsec. (c), mean the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, which was in the original “this Act” and was translated to read “this chapter”, and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. See above.

Amendments

Pub. L. 111–2962010—Subsec. (c). added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–296Oct. 1, 2010section 445 of Pub. L. 111–296 section 1751 of this titleAmendment by effective , except as otherwise specifically provided, see , set out as a note under .