Within the Department, FNS shall act on behalf of the Department in the administration of the Program. Within FNS, CND shall be responsible for Program administration.

Within the States, to the extent practicable and permissible under State law, responsibility for the administration of the Program in schools and child care institutions shall be in the educational agency of the State: Provided, however, That another State agency, upon request by the Governor or other appropriate State executive or legislative authority, may be approved to administer the Program in schools as described in paragraph (3) of the definition of School in § 215.2 or in child care institutions.

FNSRO shall administer the Program in any School or any Child care institution as defined in § 215.2 wherein the State agency is not permitted by law to disburse Federal funds paid to it under the Program; Provided, however, That FNSRO shall also administer the Program in all other schools and child-care institutions which have been under continuous FNS administration since October 1, 1980 unless the administration of such schools and institutions is assumed by a State agency. References in this part to “FNSRO where applicable” are to FNSRO as the agency administering the Program to schools or child-care institutions within certain States.

Each State agency desiring to take part in the Program shall enter into a written agreement with the Department for the administration of the Program in the State in accordance with the provisions of this part, 7 CFR parts 235, 245, 15, 15a, 15b and, as applicable, 2 CFR part 200, subpart D and USDA implementing regulations 2 CFR part 400, subparts B and D and USDA implementing regulations 2 CFR part 400 and part 415, and FNS Instructions. Such agreement shall cover the operation of the Program during the period specified therein and may be extended at the option of the Department.