Nutrition Programs
Electronic Direct Certification Process
Direct Certification is a simplified method of determining student’s eligibility for free meals through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs or free milk under the Special Milk Program without completing a Household Eligibility Application. In addition, students directly certified to receive free meals or milk are not subject to verification.
Effective with school year 2009–2010, a NEW Electronic Direct Certification System will be implemented statewide. The eligibility certificates that were mailed to each student receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) will NO LONGER be mailed.
If you have any questions regarding the Direct Certification Process or the Electronic Direct Certification System, please contact the Illinois State Board of Education, Nutrition Programs Division at (800) 545-7892 (Illinois only) or (217) 782-2491. Staff may also be reached via electronic mail at cnp@isbe.net.
Electronic Direct Certification System Resources
- Direct Certification Sample Letter: PDF format
Word Format 
- Electronic Direct Certification Guidance Document
- Sample Form – Extending Electronic Direct Certification of SNAP/TANF Eligibility to ALL Children in a Household
- Webinar PowerPoint Presentation: PowerPoint format
PDF format - Webinar Video
If you have any questions, please contact the Illinois State Board of Education, Nutrition Programs Division at (800) 545-7892 in Illinois or (217) 782-2491. Staff may also be reached via electronic mail at cnp@isbe.net.
