“Ensuring that all eligible children receive nutritious meals through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs is a top priority for the Obama Administration and a key step towards ending childhood hunger,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Direct certification is a critical tool in ensuring that low-income children are automatically enrolled in school meals programs. We are working with States to expand its use and effectiveness, and will seek ways to strengthen the program in the Child Nutrition Reauthorization.”

USDA