The Kentucky Department of Education, Division of School and Community Nutrition, is addressing two ongoing concerns about the appropriate use of Food Service funds (MUNIS, Fund 51) by a school district.

The first area of concern is the payment of equipment for new facilities, or renovation of facilities, from food service funds.  All food service funds are federal funds, which are subject to the rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDOA).  As such, proper procurement methods that include the required federal clauses must be utilized in order for the food service account to pay for the equipment.  If money has been transferred from the food service account to pay for equipment in a kitchen, it will need to be transferred back into the food service account unless it has been properly procured.

The second area of concern is the ability of food service staff to attend the Kentucky School Nutrition Association and the School Nutrition Association annual conferences.  The staff receives continuing education and food service directors receive necessary certification.  Both conferences are allowable food service expenditures and the Division of School and Community Nutrition strongly encourages that district food services staff be allowed to attend.

If any districts have any follow-up questions about these items, please contact Sue Bartenfield, Branch Manager, Schools Branch, in the Division of School and Community Nutrition, at Sue.bartenfield@education.ky.gov.