Civil Rights and School Meals Programs Training for Child Nutrition Services Employees National School Lunch Program School Breakfast Program Special Milk.

Civil Rights and

School Meals Programs

Training for Child Nutrition Services Employees

National School Lunch Program School Breakfast Program

Special Milk Program Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program

After School Snack Program

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Child Nutrition Services

August 2011

Why Civil Rights?

Civil Rights & Discrimination

Civil Rights

The benefits of Child Nutrition Programs must be made available to all eligible people in a non-discriminatory manner. All sponsors must implement Civil Rights.

Discrimination Different treatment of

one person or a group of persons either intentionally, by neglect or by the effect of actions or lack of actions based on sex, gender, race, national origin, or disability.

How do Food Service Operations Follow Civil Rights Requirements?

• Be aware and knowledgeable.

• Display the “And Justice For All” wherever program meals are served.

• Use the correct & updated non-discrimination statement on program materials.

Be Aware and Knowledgeable

• Understand Civil Rights and DiscriminationDefinition of Discrimination (7 CFR 210.23):No child can be denied benefits or otherwise be discriminated

against because of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title II & III of the Americans with Disabilities Act The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 Department of Agriculture Regulations on Discrimination 7 CFR15,

15a, 15b Food & Nutrition Service Instruction 113-1

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Title II & III of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Department of Agriculture Regulations on Discrimination 7 CFR 15b

Reasonable Accommodations for Special Diets

Title II & III of the Americans with Disabilities Act broadens and extends civil rights protection for Americans with disabilities.

Children with disabilities must have the same opportunities as other children to receive an education and education related benefits; includes school meals.

7 CFR 15 b makes it clear that substitutions to the regular meal, based on need, must be made as certified by a licensed physician.

Reasonable Accommodation: A general term. Accommodate

the request when certified by a licensed physician and substitute foods as prescribed.

Reasonable Accommodations for Students without Disabilities

• Food intolerances and allergies = Not a Disability • Food allergy, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reaction =

Disability• Policy• Educate parent - menu and food offerings.• Be Consistent – treat all requests for

accommodations the same and according to the policy.

Accommodating Children with Special Dietary Needs in the School Nutrition Programs http://www.k12.wa.us/ChildNutrition/pubdocs/SpecialDietaryNeeds.PDF

Be Aware and Knowledgeable

• Recognize a Civil Rights Complaint -A complaint of unequal treatment: delayed in receiving program benefits denied benefits or services that others received treated differently than others to their disadvantage received treatment that had a discriminatory impact

-Discriminatory treatment could be : given verbally received in writing observed or an action

-A complaint can be made against: Program Administration Child Nutrition Services Employment

Be Aware & Knowledgeable

Know&

Understand Your Organization’s

Civil Rights Policy and Procedures

And Justice for All Poster

The “And Justice For All” poster must be posted any where program benefits are available.

These areas include-• A visible place in the cafeteria such as at the beginning of the serving

line and/or near the cashier.• In the food service office or reception area.

These areas might also include-• The school district office.• The school office.• The snack area if it is different from the area where students

consume meals.• Every classroom where meals are consumed.

Non-Discrimination Statement

All publications that mention USDA Child Nutrition Programs and all media announcements

must include the following non-discrimination statement:

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is

prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

If you feel you have been treated unfairly, you may file a complaint of discrimination by writing,

USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington D.C.

20250-9410 or call toll free (866)632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have

speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-8339; or (800)

845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Non-Discrimination Statement Short Version

Federal regulations allow use of a shorter non-discrimination statement.

“This institution is an equal opportunity

provider.”

Menus and Flyers

What about the food service website?