About Us
The State Food and Nutrition Services Agency of the Puerto Rico Department of Education was created on April 1, 1994 by federal regulations concerning programs under the Child Nutrition Act.
The Mission
The State Agency, created by the Federal Child Nutrition Act, administers nutrition assistance programs, allocating federal funds to qualified entities in Puerto Rico to offer food services and nutrition education to their participants, covering the entire population, from children to the elderly; and ensures the proper use of funds through continuous monitoring.
The Vision
The State Agency’s vision is to be an organization committed to alleviating hunger in the population through the food service programs it manages and monitors, and be recognized as the lead agency in the provision of nutrition assistance during all life stages.
We propose to position ourselves as the key agency in the channeling and dissemination of nutritional information for the entire population. We intend for the sponsors of all our programs to be distinguished at the national level by their compliance with all the standards that regulate them, for which we provide technical assistance and monitor. We aspire to be a 21st century organization continuously connected through technology with its staff, the sponsors of our services, and the general population.
The State Agency is responsible for administering the following (7) programs:
| Program | Regulation |
|---|---|
| School Breakfast Program | 7 CFR Part 220 |
| National School Lunch Program | 7 CFR Part 210 |
| Summer Food Service Program | 7 CFR Part 225 |
| Child and Adult Care Food Program | 7 CFR Part 226 |
| USDA Foods for The Child Nutrition Program | 7 CFR Part 250 |
| Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program | 7 CFR Part 210 Section 19 |
| Farm to School Program | 2010 HHFKA, Section 18 |
| Summer Electronic Balance Transfer | 7 CFR Part 292 |
This government entity provides technical support services and performs operational audit and monitoring activities. Through these administrative functions, it will ensure that federal and state regulations are complied with at the operational level. The State Agency is directly attached to the Office of the Secretary of Education and has specialized personnel, including nutritionists and food monitors, to attend to each program in order to ensure that all sponsors and beneficiaries of the aforementioned programs fulfill the established purpose. These staff report directly to the Puerto Rico Department of Education.
If you need additional information, please contact:
Lourdes N. García Santiago, MBA, LND, CMGI
Acting Director, State Food and Nutrition Services Agency
Email: aesan@de.pr.gov
Tel. (787) 759-2000 ext. 4625751, 4625753