The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) are federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The purpose of the school nutrition programs is to provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals to children each school day. Each year, the USDA sets rates to cover the cost of free and reduced meals, as well as partial support for paid meals.

Each state is also required to provide a certain matching amount based on a rate set in the 1980’s. Many states provide additional reimbursement on top of the matching requirement, which can range from per meal reimbursements, to salary support, to general funds which assist with program operations. It is up to each state if participation in the federal meals programs is optional or mandated, resulting in diverse circumstances.

This report is a comprehensive summary of each state’s mandates and financial support with an additional reference chart. The information reflected in this document is to the best of SNA’s knowledge, collected from state agencies, and is subject to change.

Resource Type

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Year Added

2020

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