Special Milk Program (SMP) was first authorized in 1954 and was included as part of the Child Nutrition Act in 1966
Provides milk at a reduced price
Provides milk to children in schools and child care institutions
Eligible students are those students who are not participating in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs
Children in ½ day pre-kindergarten or kindergarten may receive the milk
Who is Eligible
Public or non-profit private schools of high school grade or under
Public or nonprofit private residential child care institutions
Participating students cannot have access to school breakfast or lunch programs
Schools who participate in the school meal programs may claim half-day students under the SMP only if those students do not have access to other school meals
Schools who do not participate in other school meal programs may claim all milk consumed by children under the SMP
Other requirements
Participating schools must:
Comply with Civil Rights Law
Have adequate Point of Service (POS) counting system
Develop and adopt a School Wellness Policy
Secure milk supplies through open and free competition
Reimbursement is paid for ½ pints of milk served “paid milk” rate
Schools and institutions that would like to participate must complete:
Application to participate in the Special Milk Program
Only new schools/institutions applying to SMP for the first time
Includes average cost of ½ pints and program option
Agreement with SCDE
Annual contract, which includes responsibilities of sponsor, accountability procedures, and dates of operation (beginning and ending of school year)
Records CANNOT be:
Based on dairy invoices
Based on paid milk receipts
Based on attendance lists
Purchasing Requirements
Must practice free and open competition
Must get bids from at least 3 milk vendors that meet school’s specifications
Price quotes and bids must be documented
Small Purchase Procedures or Formal Purchase procedures must be followed