The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers several programs that provide free or reduced-price meals to children in schools and other settings. These programs are:
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The NSLP is the largest school meal program in the United States. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day.
The School Breakfast Program (SBP): The SBP provides reimbursement to states to operate nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions.
The Special Milk Program: The Special Milk Program provides milk for students in schools that do not participate in a federal school meal program.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): The SFSP provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to children and teens during the summer months when school is not in session.
The Afterschool Meals Program: The Afterschool Meals Program provides free or reduced-price meals to children after school.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): The CACFP provides reimbursement to childcare centers and other programs that provide meals to children under the age of 12.
To find out if your child is eligible for free or reduced-price meals, you can contact your child’s school or the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
In addition to these federal programs, some states and localities also have their own school meal programs. These programs may offer additional benefits, such as transportation to meal sites or meals for children who are not enrolled in school.
School meals and food programs play an important role in ensuring that all children have access to nutritious food. These programs help to reduce hunger and food insecurity, and they can also improve academic performance.