THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM 1. What is the National School Lunch Program? participate in the NSLP as public schools. Participating The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally school districts and independent schools receive cash assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit subsidies and USDA Foods for each reimbursable meal private schools and residential child care institutions. they serve. In exchange, NSLP institutions must serve It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches that meet Federal meal pattern requirements lunches to children each school day. The program was and offer the lunches at a free or reduced price to eligible established under the Richard B. Russell National School children. School food authorities can also be reimbursed Lunch Act, signed into law by President Harry Truman for snacks served to children who participate in an in 1946. approved afterschool program including an educational or enrichment activity.” About 7.1 million children participated in the NSLP in its first year. Since then, the Program has reached millions of children nationwide: 1970: 22.4 million children; 1980: 4. What are the nutrition requirements for NSLP lunches? 26.6 million children; 1990: 21.1 million children; 2000: All NSLP lunches must meet Federal requirements, 27.3 million children; 2010: 31.8 million children; and though decisions about the specific foods to serve and 2016: 30.4 million children. the methods of preparation are made by local school food authorities. Information about the NSLP nutrition 2. Who administers the NSLP? The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Program at the Federal level. At the State level, the NSLP is administered by State agencies, which operate the Program through agreements with school food authorities. State agency contact information is available standards, along with technical assistance and guidance materials, may be found on the School Meals website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/nutritionstandards-school-meals. 5. How can children qualify for free or reduced price school lunch? at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/school- Children may be determined “categorically eligible” meals-contacts. for free meals through participation in certain Federal Assistance Programs, such as the Supplemental 3. How does the Program work? The NSLP is generally operated by public or non-profit private schools of high school grade or below. Public or non-profit private residential child care institutions may also participate in the NSLP, and charter schools may Nutrition Assistance Program, or based on their status as a homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster child. Children enrolled in a federally-funded Head Start Program, or a comparable State-funded pre-kindergarten program, are also categorically eligible for free meals. 8. What additional support do schools receive from FNS? Through its Team Nutrition initiative, FNS provides training and technical assistance to school nutrition Children can also qualify for free or reduced price school professionals to enable them to prepare and serve meals based on household income and family size. nutritious meals that meet the Program meal pattern Children from families with incomes at or below 130 requirements and appeal to children. The Team Nutrition percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free Resource Library has web-based resources available meals. Those with incomes between 130 and 185 percent to help children and school nutrition professionals of the Federal poverty level are eligible for reduced price understand the link between diet and health. State and meals. Schools may not charge children more than 40 local Program operators may request free printed copies cents for a reduced price lunch. To see the current Income of certain Team Nutrition materials. To learn more, visit: Eligibility Guidelines, please visit: https://www.fns.usda. http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/team-nutrition. gov/school-meals/income-eligibility-guidelines. 6. What are the current reimbursement rates for participating schools? FNS is also working to increase the availability of fresh produce in schools. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program introduces children at participating low- School food authorities are reimbursed for meals based income elementary schools to a variety of produce they on children’s free, reduced price, or paid eligibility status. otherwise might not have the opportunity to taste. In For current reimbursement rates, please visit: http:// addition, through the Farm to School initiative, FNS helps www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/rates-reimbursement. school food authorities incorporate fresh, local produce School food authorities that are certified to be in into school lunch menus. compliance with the Program meal pattern receive an extra 6 cents for each lunch served. Additionally, schools in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico are eligible for a 9. Where can I go to learn more about the NSLP? higher reimbursement rate, due to the higher cost of food For more information about the NSLP, please contact the in those areas. State agency responsible for the administration of the 7. What types of foods do participating schools receive from USDA? In addition to cash reimbursements, schools receive USDA Foods. States select USDA Foods for their schools from a list of foods purchased by USDA and provided through the NSLP. Schools can also receive bonus USDA Foods as they are available from surplus agricultural stocks. The variety of USDA Foods schools receive depends on available quantities and market prices. For more information about USDA Foods, please see: https:// www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/food-distribution-programs. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service https://www.fns.usda.gov/ USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Updated November 2017 Program in your State: https://www.fns.usda.gov/schoolmeals/school-meals-contacts.