The National School Lunch Program Direct Certification Improvement Study: Main Report

The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive picture of the direct certification methods employed across the country in school year (SY) 2012-2013, including the processes and resources used to develop the systems, the characteristics and availability of relevant data, and the technical aspects of matching algorithms. The report also catalogs perceived barriers to effective direct certification and strategies that States and districts planned to implement to address those barriers. This information will help FNS, State child nutrition directors, and school districts recognize promising trends, understand new approaches, and identify steps needed for continuous improvement of their direct certification efforts.