Security Statement

The information contained within this system is confidential and for use by a Local Education Agency (LEA) participating in the school nutrition programs and will be used only for determining free eligibility for meal or milk benefits and verification of eligibility. LEAs that plan to disclose children’s eligibility status for purposes other than determining and verifying free eligibility must inform households of this potential disclosure. In most cases, the LEA must obtain consent of a parent or guardian prior to the disclosure. It may not be disclosed to anyone who is not permitted by law to receive it. Every user of this system acknowledges, by access and use, the confidential nature of the material contained herein, and agrees to prevent the unlawful distribution of this information, intentionally or otherwise.

Section 9(b)(6) of the National School Lunch Act (NSLA), 42 U.S.C.1758(b)(6) and regulations found at 7 CFR Part 245.6 delineates the restrictions on the disclosure and use of information obtained from an application for free and reduced price meals, as well as the criminal penalties for improper release of information. While the law discusses applications, the disclosure requirements also apply to information obtained through the direct certification process.

The NSLA at section 9(b)(6)(C) establishes a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both, for publishing, divulging, disclosing, or making known in any manner or extend not authorized by Federal law, any eligibility information. This includes the disclosure of eligibility information by one entity authorized under the NSLA to receive the information directly from the determining agency.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

For more information, contact the Child and Adult Nutrition Services office at (605) 773-3413 or DOESchoolLunch@state.sd.us.