California Special Milk Program Benefits : Benefits.gov

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California Special Milk Program Benefits
California Special Milk Program Benefits

What is Special Milk Program for California?

The California Special Milk Program is a Federally funded program which assists schools and other agencies in providing milk to children at reasonable prices. For children, the Special Milk Program provides a nutritious beverage, rich in calcium and vitamins A and D, which aids in the development of strong bones and teeth.

For parents, the program provides a low cost, convenient method of ensuring that their children receive a healthy and delicious beverage when they are away from home. Schools benefit by helping their students take at least one step in a direction that can enhance academic performance and good nutrition.

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Purpose of California Special Milk Program

The California Special Milk Program aligns with the broader goals of promoting nutrition and supporting the well-being of children, in California generally. The primary objectives of special milk programs at both the federal and state levels often include:

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  • Nutrition Support: The program aims to ensure that children receive nutritious milk, which is a good source of essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. By providing milk in schools or child care institutions, the program contributes to overall nutritional well-being. of children.
  • Encouraging milk consumption: Special milk programs encourage children to consume milk by making it available in educational settings. This is especially important for children who may not have access to milk at home or who cannot participate in other federal food programs.
  • Targeting non-participating institutions: Special milk programs often focus on schools, child care institutions, or summer camps that do not participate in other federal food service programs. This helps reach children who are not covered by other nutrition assistance initiatives.
  • Financial assistance: These programs can provide financial assistance to schools or institutions, helping them cover the costs of providing milk to children. This may be especially important for institutions with limited resources.

For specific information regarding the purpose and details of the California Special Milk Program, you should check with the California Department of Education or the relevant state agency responsible for school nutrition programs. They will have the most accurate and up-to-date information about the program’s goals, eligibility criteria, and how it operates in the state of California.

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Who is eligible for Special Milk Program for California?

To be eligible for the California Special Milk Program, you must be a resident of the state of California 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.
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

Who Is Eligible California Special Milk Program?

The Special Milk Program is available to all schools or nonprofit childcare institutions that do not participate in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, or Summer Food Service Program.

This includes nonprofit daycare centers, summer camps, settlement houses and homeless shelters. An eligible homeless 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 childcare institution.

The Special Milk Program is also available to students attending a split-session kindergarten, or to pre-primary students in a school that participates in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, if those students do not have access to the lunch or breakfast programs.

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How to Enroll California Special Milk Program

Schools and organizations (known as program sponsors) wishing to participate in the Special Milk Program are required to submit an online application prior to beginning the Special Milk Program. For application information, call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-504-6609.

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California Special Milk Program Overview

The SMP provides reimbursement for milk served to children in schools, child care institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs. Schools in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP) may also participate in the SMP to provide milk to children in half-day pre- kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the USDA’s school meal programs.

California Special Milk Program Pricing Options

SMP sponsors are reimbursed for milk served to students in half-pint increments. There is no federal requirement to offer milk at no charge. Pricing is based on the option selected by the sponsor. The three different pricing options include pricing with free milk option, pricing (without free milk option), and non-pricing.

  • Pricing program with free milk option: Milk is provided without charge to children eligible for free milk. Children who are not eligible for free milk pay the established price. There is no reduced claiming category. 
  • Pricing program: All children are charged the same price. Milk is not provided without charge to children eligible for free milk. All milk is claimed in the paid category. 
  • Non-pricing program: All children are provided milk without charge, or milk is included in tuition or boarding fees, or paid for by private donation or endowment. All milk is claimed in the paid category. 

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California 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 SizeMaximum 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.

Documents required for California Special Milk Program

Typically, when participating in government-sponsored nutrition programs like the Special Milk Program, institutions may be required to provide certain documentation. This documentation may include, but is not limited to:

  • Institutional Information: Information about the school or childcare institution participating in the program, such as the name, address, and contact details.
  • Eligibility Documentation: Documentation demonstrating the eligibility of the institution to participate in the program. This could include information about the institution’s non-participation in other federal meal service programs.
  • Financial Documentation: Some programs may require financial documentation to determine the level of reimbursement or financial assistance the institution is eligible to receive.
  • Meal Participation Records: Documentation of the number of half-pints of milk served to eligible children. This could include daily or monthly records of milk consumption.
  • Verification Documentation: Depending on the program, institutions may be required to provide documentation to verify the eligibility of children for free or reduced-price milk.

To obtain the specific and current documentation requirements for the California Special Milk Program, please reach out to the California Department of Education or the relevant state agency. You can visit their official website or contact them directly for the most accurate information.

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Required eligibility for California Special Milk Program

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on the eligibility requirements for the California Special Milk Program, I recommend contacting the California Department of Education or the relevant state agency responsible for school nutrition programs. In general, eligibility for special milk programs, both at the federal and state levels, may include considerations such as:

  • Institutional Eligibility: The program may be available to certain types of institutions, such as schools, childcare centers, and summer camps. Some programs target institutions that do not participate in other federal meal service programs.
  • Non-Participation in Other Programs: Institutions participating in the Special Milk Program may need to demonstrate that they do not participate in other federal meal service programs, like the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
  • Children’s Eligibility: The program is often designed to provide milk to eligible children. Eligibility for children may be based on factors such as family income and participation in other assistance programs.
  • Financial Need: Some programs may take into account the financial need of the institution or the children it serves when determining eligibility.
  • Compliance with Program Guidelines: Institutions must comply with program guidelines, including record-keeping and reporting requirements, to maintain eligibility.

To obtain detailed information on the eligibility requirements for the California Special Milk Program, you can visit the California Department of Education’s official website or contact them directly. They should be able to provide the most current and accurate information regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, and any other requirements for participating in the program.

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California Special Milk Program Phone Number

You can contact the California Special Milk Program (SMP) by phone at one of the following numbers:

  • 916-322-1450
  • 800-952-5609 (Option 2)

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FAQs. California Special Milk Program Benefits

Q 1. What are the benefits of the California Special Milk Program?

The California Special Milk Program provides a number of benefits to children, parents, and schools:

For children:

  • Improved nutrition: Milk is a nutritious beverage that is rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients that are important for children’s growth and development.
  • Strong bones and teeth: Calcium is essential for the development of strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
  • Healthy hydration: Milk is a healthy and refreshing beverage that can help children stay hydrated throughout the day.

For parents:

  • Peace of mind: Parents can rest assured that their children are receiving a healthy and nutritious beverage at school.
  • Affordability: The SMP provides milk to children at a reduced cost, making it an affordable option for families on a budget.
  • Convenience: Milk is available at school, so parents don’t have to worry about packing it in their children’s lunches.

For schools:

  • Improved student health: Schools that participate in the SMP can help to improve the overall health of their students by providing them with a nutritious beverage.
  • Reduced absenteeism: Healthy children are more likely to attend school regularly.
  • Enhanced academic performance: Studies have shown that good nutrition can improve children’s academic performance.

Q 2. Who is eligible for the California Special Milk Program?

The California Special Milk Program is available to children in schools and childcare institutions that do not participate in other federal meal service programs. Children from low-income families may be eligible to receive free milk.

Q 3. How do I apply for the California Special Milk Program?

If you are interested in applying for the California Special Milk Program, you should contact your child’s school or childcare institution.

Q 4. What type of milk is served through the California Special Milk Program?

Only pasteurized fluid type fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk may be offered through the California Special Milk Program. Flavored milk is allowed for children six and over. With a doctor’s note, a student may receive a substitute if they have a disability which prevents them from consuming cow’s milk, granted certain nutrition standards are met for the substitute.

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