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Food and Nutrition Programs

Apply to Be a NSLP/SBP Sponsor

Once the NSLP/SBP Readiness Checklist is completed, it is time to initiate an agreement with the State Agency (DESE) to be approved to operate the NSLP. The following items must be completed to become a sponsor, though they may not happen exactly in the order listed.

Letter of Intent

This letter must be on official letterhead and signed by the superintendent/executive director. In this letter be sure to include the following information:

  • School name and DESE organizational code
  • Current status of operation (include all that apply)
    • School/district is currently operating
    • School/district will be opening in the future
    • School/district is currently serving meals to children but not receiving reimbursement
    • School/district is currently a site serving NSLP meals under a sponsor
  • Child Nutrition Programs you would like to participate in.
    • SBP and NSLP are required
    • Afterschool snack program is available to qualifying programs
  • Student enrollment and grades served
  • List of location(s) where meals will be served
  • Meal service operation type (include all that apply)
    • On site preparation
    • Off site central kitchen with delivery to the school
    • Vended meals (identify the vendor)
  • Anticipated date of implementation
  • The primary contact for the onboarding

Send the letter to:

Julianna Valcour, School Nutrition Programs Coordinator, Julianna.valcour@mass.gov

Phone Interview & Online Application

DESE Office for Food and Nutrition Programs (FNP) will reach out to schedule an initial phone interview. FNP will use this time to determine which items on the checklist are complete and which items are outstanding.

Once FNP has determined that the checklist is complete, FNP will grant access to the online application. The following documents must be submitted for approval prior to the onsite preapproval visit:

  • Resume and education certificates for director/manager
  • Performance Based Funding (PBF) certification docs
  • Civil rights pre award questionnaire

FNP may request additional documents. All submitted documents will be reviewed on site.

Security portal access is needed to complete the online application packet. To gain access, do one of the following:

  • Public schools: request access through the district's Directory Administrator.
  • Private schools and Residential Child Care Institutions: DESE acts as the Directory Administrator for private institutions. First time users will be authorized by their FNP contact. Once access has been granted, the new sponsor will complete the online application. Additional access requests will be made only for employees listed in the Authorized Signatures section of the new sponsor NSLP application. The district must add each name to authorized signatures in the NSLP application, then request access using the EOE Request Form in the EOE Customer Portal .

Once security portal access is established, there are certain roles that have specific types of access, as outlined below:

  • Nutrition School Lunch (SL): This is access to all NSLP functions except USDA Foods. This level of permission should be reserved for employees responsible for claims, the NSLP agreement, and compliance reporting. Superintendents and Executive Directors will need this permission to sign the online Child Nutrition Program Permanent Agreement with the State Agency (DESE).
  • Nutrition Commodity Orders: This is access to managing the USDA Foods Entitlement.
  • Nutrition School Lunch non-submit: This allows users access to the Nutrition School Lunch functions with limitations. Users with non-submit access can view and make changes in the access area but cannot submit. This permission is usually reserved for contract employees or employees needing a "read only" level of access.

Once you have Security Portal access, use NSLP Application Renewal as a guide to complete the application packet. Be sure to sign the Permanent Agreement, which is available online in the NSLP application packet.

Business Forms

The Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (W-9) and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form are required by the DESE FNP business office to set your organization up in the payment system. These forms are completed via Docusign and will be initiated by FNP.

The Contractor Authorized Signatory Listing (CASL) identifies the individuals in your organization authorized to sign legal documents and is required by FNP's business office to process the W-9 and EFT forms. FNP will send this form via email.

Preapproval Visit

A preapproval visit will be scheduled pending receipt and approval of multiple checklist items. Documents pertaining to the checklist will be reviewed and evaluated. A full list of documents to prepare will be provided in a confirmation email. The preapproval visit is required for program approval.

Once the program is approved, a follow up visit will be scheduled to conduct meal service observation and test the most recently submitted claim for reimbursement. The district will then be placed on the next cycle for a full Administrative Review. This could be scheduled during the current or following school year depending on when the program is approved.

Last Updated: October 26, 2026

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