Updated October 27, 2025 – SNA will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
USDA Lapse of Funding Contingency Plan (PDF)
USDA Shutdown Notification Letter to State Agencies (PDF)
Why is there a shutdown?
The federal government can only spend funds with Congress’ approval, granted through appropriations bills that authorize funding levels. Before the end of each fiscal year (September 30), Congress must either pass new appropriations laws or a “continuing resolution” (CR) to keep the federal government fully operating. Since Congress has not yet passed any Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills, nor come to an agreement on a CR to extend current funding levels, the federal government shutdown began at midnight on October 1, 2025.
How are school meals funded during normal operations?
Since the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) are entitlement programs, federal per-meal reimbursements (including those for snacks and suppers) are guaranteed. However, Congress makes these funds available through the annual appropriations process and USDA releases the funds to State agencies. For more details on the funding structure of child nutrition programs, see this CRS report.
Will school nutrition programs receive reimbursements for meals served in September and October?
Yes. USDA’s Lapse of Funding Plan states that “Carryover funding and recoveries are available to continue to reimburse schools as well as child and adult care providers for meals served in September and October.” The plan also indicates that Section 32 funds can be made available to support operations and that some Food and Nutrition Service employees will be excepted from furlough to support operations.
Several State agencies had reported having inadequate funding to cover October’s meals and that reimbursements could be delayed should the shutdown extend beyond November 1. However, according to an October 24 memo, $23 billion in Section 32 tariff funds was transferred to USDA’s Child Nutrition Program accounts to carry out National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Child and Adult Care Feeding Program during the shutdown. SNA continues to stay in close touch with USDA and State agencies to monitor potential shutdown impacts.
What about reimbursements for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)?
The FFVP receives mandatory funding outside of the annual appropriations process. This mandatory funding structure means FFVP can continue even during a lapse in appropriations.
Will USDA Foods deliveries to schools be impacted by the shutdown?
USDA’s letter to State agencies states that, “vendors are required to deliver any USDA Foods that were purchased prior to the lapse in appropriations; therefore, Program operators should expect to continue to receive USDA Foods deliveries during the lapse.”
Has USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) staff been furloughed during the shutdown?
USDA’s Lapse of Funding Plan said 1,135 FNS employees (out of 1,237) are expected to be furloughed during the shutdown, but “a limited number of FNS employees” will be excepted from furlough to support Child Nutrition Program operations. USDA’s letter to State agencies confirmed that “many FNS staff” will be furloughed and unavailable during the shutdown. State agencies were instructed to continue to administer the programs and to contact regional offices with any questions.
Who should SFAs reach out to with questions?
Contact your State agency with program specific questions and stay tuned to SNA’s website for updates on the shutdown. This FAQ will be revised as more details become available.
How can school nutrition programs support the students of furloughed workers in my district?
With many federal workers and contractors furloughed or impacted by the recent federal Reduction in Force (RIFs), SNA encourages members to promote Free and Reduced-Price meal applications at this time. Remind families that at any time of year, applications can be resubmitted due to the loss of income.
