Strengthening Compliance:
How Audit Support Empowers Schools
Resurgence Hall
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Introduction
Navigating the intricate regulations of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) can be challenging for many School Food Authorities. Compliance is more than just a regulatory obligation; it’s essential for running a successful and ethical school nutrition program that ensures students receive nutritious and safe meals.
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At School Food and Wellness Group (SFWG), we understand the complexities involved and offer specialized audit support to help schools meet both federal and state regulations. Our comprehensive services, which include detailed documentation reviews, best practice guidance, and on-site assistance, empower schools to approach audits with confidence and achieve successful state reviews. With SFWG by your side, you can focus on what truly matters: providing high-quality meals to your students.
Service Highlight: Audit Support for NSLP
Our specialized audit support is designed to help schools effectively prepare for and navigate the administrative review process seamlessly. With over 60 years of combined experience in the National School Lunch Program, our team focuses in identifying potential compliance issues before they become problematic, ensuring that our clients are always one step ahead throughout their review process.
The internal audit that SFWG completes annually is incredibly helpful at the start of each school year, as we receive specific and actionable feedback to support the launch and maintenance of our nutrition program. Because of this, we felt confident submitting all materials to the Georgia Department of Education.
Danielle Nathan, Director of Operations at Resurgence Hall
Project Showcase: Turning Challenges into Triumphs at Resurgence Hall
Background
Resurgence Hall, a small charter school in East Point, Georgia, was scheduled for an administrative review in SY24. As they began preparing, they realized they needed additional support because their Food Service Director would be on parental leave during the review period and unavailable to provide direction for the audit.
Action Taken
Debbie Marks, Client Manager at School Food and Wellness Group, stepped in to provide tailored audit support to Resurgence Hall. She began with a thorough review of their current compliance status, identifying areas for improvement. Collaboratively, she developed an action plan that included staff training, revising documentation practices, and implementing new tracking systems.
Action Plan
Pre-Audit Preparation
Working closely with the school's staff, she conducted a comprehensive offsite assessment, collecting and organizing all required documents. This preparation included managing the decentralized process unique to Georgia audits, which meant documents were sent to multiple state officials, making coordination with the school crucial.
On-Site Support
Debbie was also present during the on-site audit, answering questions and facilitating the auditor’s review process.
Corrective Actions
Post-audit, Debbie addressed corrective actions promptly, from handling eligibility documentation to managing wellness committee meetings and vendor training verifications.
Despite some challenges, we kept everything organized, addressed all corrective actions quickly, and ensured compliance with all protocols. The auditors appreciated our proactive approach and thorough preparation.
Debbie Marks, Client Manager at School Food and Wellness Group
Administrative Review Outcome
The audit was not only successful, but the school also received commendation for their food safety protocol. Post-audit, Resurgence Hall reported better documentation tracking, attributing these improvements to the guidance and practices established during School Food and Wellness Group’s initial assessment.
Because the team at School Food and Wellness Group has supported us for several years, we were well equipped moving into our audit year.
Danielle Nathan, Director of Operations at Resurgence Hall
Conclusion
Achieving compliance with the NSLP doesn’t have to be a struggle. Our team provides in-depth guidance, comprehensive documentation reviews, and hands-on support, ensuring that schools are not only compliant but also excelling in their nutrition programs. Together with SFWG, we will transform your compliance journey into a pathway for continuous improvement and excellence in school nutrition!
Are you a charter school or school district facing similar challenges preparing for your upcoming administrative review? Reach out to us at hello@sfwgroup.org to learn how our specialized audit services can help your school meet compliance requirements with confidence. Contact us to schedule a free consultation!