This paper describes a state-sponsored management assistance project for improving the cost-effectiveness of school food services. First, the history, rationale, and present function of the Division of Management Assistance in the Pennsylvania Department of Education is described. Its primary purpose is to assist schools with fiscal problems in regaining financial stability. Food service has been identified as a major area in need of intervention by the management assistance team, because of the statewide increase in general fund support for food service operations, the increasing number of requests for state assistance (in the food service area) from school boards and superintendents, and the rising incidence of externally contracted food service. The procedure for addressing this need is then described. Letters offering assistance in this area were mailed, and, because of the large number of requests received in response, the department has enlisted the outside support of the Pennsylvania School Food Service Association for additional management consultants. Food service directors from financially sound districts are to be sent for 3-day visitations to analyze operations in targeted schools, using an onsite survey instrument A final report is to be prepared by the consultant, based on the results of the survey analysis, in conjunction with the state office. A sample report, issued to prospective consultants, is described. (TE)