 
Information Memorandums (IMs)—2008
Automatic Eligibility for Free Meal Benefits Extended to All Children Enrolled In Head Start
ACF–IM–HS–08–19
ACF
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
1. Log No. ACF–IM–HS–08–19
2. Issuance Date: 10/23/08
3. Originating Office: Office of Head Start
4. Key Words: Automatic Eligibility
INFORMATION MEMORANDUM [See Attachment at the bottom]
TO: Head Start and Early Head Start Grantees and Delegate Agencies
SUBJECT: Automatic Eligibility for Free Meal Benefits Extended to All Children Enrolled In Head Start
INFORMATION:
Due to the provisions in the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–134), any child enrolled in Head Start is now automatically eligible for free meals provided by the USDA National School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Attached to this Information Memorandum is a letter from the Director of the Child Nutrition Division within the Food and Nutrition Service that provides guidance to State Agencies and Child Nutrition Programs about automatic eligibility for free meal benefits to Head Start children. Reimbursable meals, not previously claimed at the free rate that were served December 12, 2007 and beyond to Head Start children, may now be claimed for reimbursement. Please refer to the attached letter for information on how to claim reimbursement for these meals.
/Patricia E. Brown/
Patricia E. Brown
Acting Director
Office of Head Start
(Download in PDF)
Attachment:
[Attachment:] Automatic Eligibility for Free Meal Benefits Extended to All Children Enrolled In Head Start [PDF, 29.2 KB]