Expense recognition: Focusing strictly on the cost of the food. Not to worry about salaries for food service staff, utilities, etc. When should the school district recognize food expense? What is the basis for you answer? Please see below.

The example involves a public school cafeteria serving lunch. Some students pay full price for their food, but others receive lunch for a reduced price or for free under the federal National School Lunch Program. Let's assume the school cafeteria meets all nutritional requirements to qualify for National School Lunch Program - all it needs to do now is serve the lunches. The grant is expenditure driven - when the school district proves the reduced price and free meals have been provided, the federal government owes it a grant payment. Ignore the part of the program that involves school districts receiving free food products from the USDA to use in the meals.