Resources

Nutrition Programs

School Meals Initiative Reviews



General Information

All school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch Program must undergo a School Meals Initiative (SMI) review on a cyclical basis.   The review is part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDAs) strategy to ensure school menus are in compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and certain nutrient standards when averaged over a school week.

ISBE has contracted with Southern Illinois University Carbondale to complete the SMI reviews on its behalf.  In addition, ISBE staff will conduct SMI reviews throughout the state.   For the current list of eligible National School Lunch Program sponsors, click here. 

All SFAs selected for an SMI Review will have the week of review identified by ISBE.  For school year 2009-2010, please reference the chart below for pertinent information related to the SMI Reviews. 

Mailed to SFA
Selected Week of Review
Due Date
Review Conducted By
September 2009 September 21-25, 2009 October 2, 2009 Southern Illinois University Carbondale
November 2009 November 16-20, 2009 December 4, 2009 Southern Illinois University Carbondale
December 2009 November 30- December 4, 2009 December 18, 2009 Illinois State Board of Education
January 2010 January 11-15, 2010 January 22, 2009 Southern Illinois University Carbondale


USDA Guidance Materials for SMI

Food-Based Sponsors

Nutrient-Based Sponsors