Child Nutrition Programs
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Child Nutrition Programs

Child Nutrition Programs, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are open to participation by private schools. Applications for participation in any of the Child Nutrition Programs are obtained by contacting the Child Nutrition Program coordinator for your State or by contacting the Child Nutrition Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, telephone 703/305-2590.

National School Lunch and National School Breakfast Programs; Afterschool Snacks

The National School Lunch and the National School Breakfast Programs provide cash and commodity assistance to schools that serve breakfast and lunches that meet the dietary requirements of the statute. Through these programs, schools provide free or reduced-price meals to students that qualify under the poverty guidelines of the program, which are adjusted for family size. Other children may purchase meals at a low cost. Schools receive reimbursement for each meal served. The highest rates of reimbursement are provided for meals served to children eligible for free meals and reduced-price meals. School participating in the lunch program that have afterschool care programs may also qualify for reimbursement for snacks served to children in an eligible afterschool care program.

Special Milk Program

The Special Milk Program reimburses participating schools for a portion of their expenditures in providing milk to students of all income ranges. Students may qualify for free milk under this program. Schools not participating in other federally funded food programs may participate.

Further Information

• Child Nutrition Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302, telephone 703/305-2590. A list of State contacts as well as other information about these programs can be found on-line at www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/

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