Florida Special Milk Program Benefits
The Special Milk Program (SMP) is available to children of all schools or nonprofit child care institutions that do not participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), or Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This includes nonprofit day care centers, summer camps, settlement houses and homeless shelters.
An eligible shelter's primary purpose must be to provide shelter and a minimum of one regularly scheduled meal service per day to homeless families. The shelter cannot be a residential child care institution. The SMP is also available to students attending a split-session kindergarten or pre-primary students in a school that participates in the NSL or SBP, if those students do not have access to the lunch or breakfast programs.
Florida Special Milk Program
The Florida Special Milk Program is a federally funded program that provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which ensures that children in these institutions have access to milk.
The program aims to encourage the consumption of milk among children, especially those who may not have access to it regularly. By providing milk to these institutions, the program helps ensure that children receive the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
The specific guidelines and requirements for participating in the Florida Special Milk Program may be subject to change, so it is advisable to consult the official website of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the most up-to-date information.
Florida Special Milk Program Benefits
The Florida Special Milk Program offers several benefits to eligible children and institutions, including:
- Nutritional support: The program ensures that children in participating schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps have access to nutritious milk, which is an essential source of calcium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients for growing children.
- Increased access to milk: For children who may not have regular access to milk due to financial constraints or other limitations, the program helps bridge the gap by providing them with milk during the school day or at eligible childcare institutions.
- Support for institutions: Participating institutions, such as schools and childcare centers, receive assistance in providing milk to children, thus contributing to the overall well-being and health of the children under their care.
- Federal funding: The program is federally funded, which means that participating institutions receive financial support to provide milk to eligible children, easing the burden on their budgets and allowing them to allocate resources to other critical areas.
- Health benefits: Milk consumption is associated with various health benefits, including improved bone health, enhanced muscle growth, and a reduced risk of certain diseases. By providing access to milk, the program contributes to the overall health and well-being of participating children.
These benefits highlight the significance of the Florida Special Milk Program in supporting the nutritional needs of children and promoting their overall health and development.
Who is eligible for Florida Special Milk Program?
To be eligible for the Florida Special Milk Program, you must be a resident of the state of Florida 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.
Florida 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 | $26,973 |
| 2 | $36,482 |
| 3 | $45,991 |
| 4 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $65,009 |
| 6 | $74,518 |
| 7 | $84,027 |
| 8 | $93,536 |
For households with more than eight people, add $9,509 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.
Florida Summer Food Service Program BenefitsDocuments Required for Florida Special Milk Program
The specific documents required for the Florida Special Milk Program may vary depending on the type of institution and the application process. However, typically, the following documents are commonly requested when applying for the program:
- Institution information: This includes details about the school, childcare institution, or eligible camp, such as the institution's name, address, contact information, and any relevant identification numbers.
- Participation agreement: Institutions may need to fill out and submit a participation agreement that outlines their commitment to complying with the program's requirements and regulations.
- Eligibility documentation: Institutions may be required to provide documentation proving their eligibility for the program. This can include information about the institution's status as a recognized educational or childcare facility.
- Financial information: Some institutions may need to provide financial information to demonstrate their need for the program and to determine the level of assistance they are eligible to receive.
- Compliance documentation: Institutions may need to provide documentation demonstrating their compliance with state and federal regulations regarding the provision of milk to children.
- Application forms: Institutions are typically required to complete and submit application forms provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or any other relevant administering agency.
It is essential to consult the specific guidelines and requirements provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the administering agency responsible for the Florida Special Milk Program to ensure that the necessary documents are submitted accurately and in a timely manner.
Eligibility Required for Florida Special Milk Program
The eligibility criteria for the Florida Special Milk Program are typically based on the type of institution and the population it serves. While specific requirements may vary, the general eligibility criteria often include the following:
- Institutions: Eligible institutions for the program may include schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs.
- Children: The program is designed to provide milk to children in these institutions who do not have access to other Federal meal programs. Eligible children are typically those who attend participating schools, childcare institutions, or camps.
- Program participation: Institutions must agree to comply with the program's requirements and regulations, including providing milk to eligible children and maintaining accurate records as required by the program guidelines.
- Compliance with regulations: Institutions must adhere to the state and federal regulations governing the provision of milk to children, including food safety and nutritional standards.
- Need-based qualification: Some eligibility criteria may be based on the financial need of the institution or the children it serves. Documentation demonstrating the need for the program may be required.
It is important for institutions to review the specific eligibility guidelines provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the administering agency responsible for the Florida Special Milk Program. This will ensure that they meet all the necessary criteria before applying to participate in the program.
How do I apply for Florida Special Milk Program?
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child's school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates in the Special Milk Program. The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information on the School Meals Contacts page.
How To Apply For Florida Special Milk Program
To apply for the Florida Special Milk Program, institutions must follow the application process outlined by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). While the specific steps may vary, the general process typically involves the following:
- Review eligibility criteria: Before applying, institutions should carefully review the eligibility requirements to ensure that they meet the necessary criteria for participation in the program.
- Contact the administering agency: Institutions can reach out to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or the designated administering agency responsible for the Florida Special Milk Program to obtain the necessary application materials and guidance.
- Obtain application forms: Request and acquire the appropriate application forms from the administering agency. These forms may be available on the agency's website or through direct contact.
- Complete the application: Fill out the application forms accurately and thoroughly, providing all required information and supporting documentation as specified in the application guidelines.
- Submit the application: Ensure that the completed application, along with any required documentation, is submitted to the designated administering agency within the specified deadline.
- Follow up: After submitting the application, follow up with the administering agency to confirm receipt of the application and to inquire about the status of the application process, if necessary.
- Comply with any additional requirements: Be prepared to fulfill any additional requirements or requests for information from the administering agency during the application review process.
By following these steps and adhering to the guidelines provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, institutions can apply for the Florida Special Milk Program and potentially provide valuable nutritional support to children in their care.
How can I contact someone?
For information on the Florida Special Milk Program, please call Food and Nutrition Management office toll-free at: 1-800-504-6609. For more information visit the Florida Department of Education website. 800-504-6609.