Alaska Special Milk Program Benefits
The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools and residential childcare institutions (RCCI) who do not participate in other Federal meal service programs. The program reimburses schools and RCCI's for the milk they serve. Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also participate in the Special Milk Program to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.
Alaska Special Milk Program
In the United States, the Special Milk Program (SMP) is a federally funded program that provides milk to children in schools and childcare institutions who do not participate in other federal meal service programs. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Schools and childcare institutions that participate in the SMP receive reimbursement for the milk they serve to eligible children.
To qualify for the program, these institutions must operate programs that primarily serve children, and they must agree to operate their meal service on a non-profit basis. Eligible children for the Special Milk Program are those who do not have access to other federal meal programs, such as the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program.
If there have been updates or changes to specific state-level programs, including those in Alaska, it would be advisable to check with local education or agriculture departments for the most current information. You can also visit the official USDA website for the latest details on the Special Milk Program and other related initiatives.
Pricing Options
School Food Authorities (SFAs) can choose to operate under any one of the three SMP Pricing Options below. Details about each plan can be found on the Special Milk Program pricing options page.
Plan 1- Non-Pricing Plan: The School Food Authority (SFA) may record the total number of ½ pints (8 fl oz) of milk served to students on a calendar or daily count sheet at the point of service (POS) as no student is charged for milk and all students are claimed as “paid”. There is no requirement to track milk participation by individual student. Tracking consumption of milk flavor (i.e. white versus chocolate) by individual student is not a requirement unless this information is used to ensure that a student takes the milk type specified by a parent or for ordering milk from suppliers.
Plan 2- Pricing Plan : The School Food Authority (SFA) should keep track of milk program participation consumption by individual student name if the SFA is charging by ½ pints (8 fl oz) and using the point of service (POS) counts for billing purposes. SFAs that choose to collect an annual, semester or quarterly milk fee may choose to record the total amount of milk served to students on a calendar or daily count sheet at the POS rather than by individual student name. All students are claimed as ‘paid’ on the monthly claim for reimbursement. Tracking consumption of milk flavor (i.e., white versus chocolate) by individual student is not a requirement unless this information is used to ensure that a student takes the milk type specified by a parent or for ordering milk from suppliers.
- Milk is sold to all children with the reimbursement utilized to keep the cost to students low.
- ½ pint prices should reflect the difference between federal reimbursements and the cost to operate the program (may include administrative and supply costs).
Plan 3-Pricing Plan with Free Milk Option : The point of service (POS) counting system must determine how many ½ pint equivalents (8 fl oz) are served to students by benefit category without overt identification. The two benefit categories are "free" for students who qualify for free milk and "paid" for milk served to students who do not qualify for the free benefit. The School Food Authority (SFA) may choose to use a classroom roster or an electronic system to track participation by category. Tracking consumption of milk flavor (i.e., white versus chocolate) by individual student is not a requirement unless this information is used to ensure that a student takes the milk type specified by a parent or for ordering milk from suppliers.
- Milk served at no charge to students who qualify for free milk benefits (based on income or direct eligibility)
- Sponsor charges their established break-even rate to children who pay for milk
- Sponsor's reimbursement
- Federal reimbursement rate for children who pay
- Net dairy cost for children who qualify for free milk benefits
- Net dairy cost = average cost per gallon / 16
Milk Pricing
Reimbursement should be maximized to reduce the cost of milk for students. It is recommended to charge a student the difference between the anticipated cost per half-pint milk and the reimbursement rate. Consider adding on 2 cents to cover any milk price adjustments and administrative costs associated with the SMP program (i.e. the price for ½ pint = cost of ½ pint – reimbursement + 2¢). Documentation needs to be maintained to justify milk price adjustments and administrative costs greater than 2 cents per ½ pint.
Alaska Udall Undergraduate Scholarship Program BenefitsPurpose of Alaska Special Milk Program
The Special Milk Program is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Its primary purpose is to ensure that children in schools and childcare institutions who do not have access to other federal meal programs have the opportunity to receive milk. The program provides a nutritious beverage to eligible children, contributing to their overall health and well-being. Here are some key purposes of the Special Milk Program:
- Milk Access: The program aims to provide milk to children in schools and childcare institutions where other federal meal programs, such as the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, may not be available.
- Nutritional Support: Milk is a good source of essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein. By offering milk through the Special Milk Program, it helps support the nutritional needs of children.
- Reimbursement: The program provides financial assistance to schools and childcare institutions by reimbursing them for the milk they serve to eligible children. This helps institutions cover the costs associated with providing milk.
- Promoting Healthy Habits: By offering milk in educational and childcare settings, the program encourages the development of healthy eating habits among children from an early age.
I recommend checking with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development or the USDA for the most current information regarding the purpose and details of any special milk programs in the state.
Who is eligible for Special Milk Program for Alaska?
To be eligible for the Alaska Special Milk Program, you must be a resident of the state of Alaska and meet all of the following:
- Be a child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program; and
- Be low-income or very low income.
Each child's family must apply annually for free milk eligibility.
Alaska Special Milk Program Income Limits
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
| 1 | $33,689 |
| 2 | $45,584 |
| 3 | $57,480 |
| 4 | $69,375 |
| 5 | $81,271 |
| 6 | $93,166 |
| 7 | $105,062 |
| 8 | $116,957 |
For households with more than eight people, add $11,895 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.
Alaska Weatherization Assistance Program BenefitsRequired eligibility for Alaska Special Milk Program
In general, eligibility for the Special Milk Program is based on factors such as:
- Institutional Eligibility: Schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps may participate in the Special Milk Program. These institutions must be nonprofit and must agree to operate the program on a nonprofit basis.
- Milk Service to Children: To be eligible for the program, institutions must serve milk to eligible children. Eligible children are those who do not have access to other federal meal programs like the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
- Pricing and Reimbursement: The program may provide reimbursement to participating institutions for each half-pint of milk served to eligible children. There may be specific pricing requirements and reimbursement rates associated with the program.
- Documentation of Need: Institutions may need to document the need for the program in their community, demonstrating that there is a lack of access to other federal meal programs.
To obtain the most accurate and current information regarding the eligibility requirements for any specific Special Milk Program in Alaska, I recommend contacting the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development or the relevant local authorities. They can provide detailed information on eligibility criteria, application processes, and any recent updates to the program.
How do I apply for Special Milk Program for Alaska?
To apply for the Special Milk Program in Alaska or any other state, you should follow the application process outlined by the relevant authorities. While I don't have the specific details for Alaska, here is a general guide on how to apply for the Special Milk Program based on common procedures:
- Contact the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development: Start by reaching out to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. You can find contact information on their official website or by contacting the relevant office responsible for child nutrition programs.
- Request Application Materials: Ask for the application materials for the Special Milk Program. These materials may include forms and guidelines necessary for the application process.
- Review Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility criteria outlined in the application materials. Ensure that your institution meets the requirements for participation in the program.
- Complete Application Forms: Fill out the required application forms. Provide accurate and complete information about your institution, including nonprofit status, agreement to operate on a nonprofit basis, and any other necessary details.
- Gather Supporting Documentation: Collect any supporting documentation required for the application. This may include proof of nonprofit status, documentation of need, and verification of enrollment for eligible children.
- Submit the Application: Submit the completed application forms and supporting documentation to the specified contact at the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
- Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, the relevant authorities will review it. If your institution meets the eligibility criteria, you will receive approval to participate in the Special Milk Program.
- Implement the Program: Once approved, you can start participating in the Special Milk Program. Ensure that you follow the program's guidelines, including pricing requirements and reimbursement procedures.
Remember that specific procedures and requirements may vary, so it's crucial to contact the relevant state authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information. They can guide you through the application process and provide any additional details specific to Alaska's Special Milk Program.
Alaska Special Milk Program Phone Number
Please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Special Milk Program for more information. 907-465-8712.