Article updated October 27, 2025
At midnight on October 1, the federal government entered a shutdown due to Congress’ failure to pass a funding agreement.
According to USDA’s Lapse of Funding Plan and October 1 letter to State agencies, funding is available for school meals served in September and October, meaning there should be no immediate impact on school meal 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. SNA’s FAQ provides further details, and this document will be updated as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, 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 to your community. Remind families that at any time of year, applications can be resubmitted due to the loss of income.
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