School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding

Changes from May 23, 2022 to December 18, 2023

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School Meals and Other Child Nutrition
~~May 23, 2022~~December 18, 2023
Programs: Background and Funding
Kara Clifford Billings
The federal government has a long history of investing in programs for feeding children, The federal government has a long history of investing in programs for feeding children, ~~starting~~
Analyst in Social Policy Analyst in Social Policy
starting with federal aid for school lunch programs in the 1930s. Today, federal child with federal aid for school lunch programs in the 1930s. Today, federal child ~~nutrition programs~~

nutrition programs support food served to children in schools and a variety of other settings. Administered by the support food served to children in schools and a variety of other settings. Administered by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), the child Nutrition Service (FNS), the child

nutrition programs include the nutrition programs include the
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP),
• School Breakfast Program (SBP), School Breakfast Program (SBP),
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP),
• Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Summer Food Service Program (SFSP),
• Seamless Summer Option (SSO), Seamless Summer Option (SSO),
• Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) Program, • Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), and
• Special Milk Program (SMP). Special Milk Program (SMP).
The child nutrition programs vary in terms of size and target population. The largest programs are NSLP and SBP (the The child nutrition programs vary in terms of size and target population. The largest programs are NSLP and SBP (the school
meals programs), which subsidize meals for ), which subsidize meals for ~~nearly~~more than 30 million children in approximately 30 million children in approximately 9590,000 elementary and secondary ,000 elementary and secondary
schools in a typical school year. CACFP supports food served to children in child care, day care, and afterschool settings; schools in a typical school year. CACFP supports food served to children in child care, day care, and afterschool settings;
SFSP and SSO provide funding for summer meals and snacks; SFSP and SSO provide funding for summer meals and snacks; Summer EBT provides grocery benefits for households with school-age children over the summer; FFVP sponsors fruit and vegetable snacks in elementary FFVP sponsors fruit and vegetable snacks in elementary
schools; and SMP subsidizes milk in schools and institutions that do not participate in other child nutrition programs. In schools; and SMP subsidizes milk in schools and institutions that do not participate in other child nutrition programs. In
general, the largest subsidies are provided for free or reduced-price meals and snacks served to children from low-income general, the largest subsidies are provided for free or reduced-price meals and snacks served to children from low-income
households. Other child nutrition activities include afterschool meal and snack programs, farm to school initiatives, and households. Other child nutrition activities include afterschool meal and snack programs, farm to school initiatives, and ~~the~~
~~Summer EBT demonstration.~~
~~Federal funding for~~school meal equipment grants. Selected Child Nutrition Programs: Estimated Participants and Meal Sites, FY2022 Source: CRS, based on USDA-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023. Notes: Numbers are rounded. FY2022 data are preliminary. Federal spending on child nutrition programs and activities totaled roughly $ child nutrition programs and activities totaled roughly $2738 billion in FY2022, the majority of which billion in FY2022, the majority of which is
was mandatory spending. Most child nutrition programs are considered mandatory spending. Most child nutrition programs are considered appropriated entitlements, meaning that their authorizing , meaning that their authorizing
statutes establish a legal obligation to make payments, but that obligation is fulfilled through statutes establish a legal obligation to make payments, but that obligation is fulfilled through Congressional Research Service School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding funding that is provided in funding that is provided in
annual appropriations acts. Most of the funding is provided in the form of per-meal cash reimbursements that states distribute annual appropriations acts. Most of the funding is provided in the form of per-meal cash reimbursements that states distribute
to schools and institutions. A smaller amount of federal funding is provided in the form of federally purchased foods and cash to schools and institutions. A smaller amount of federal funding is provided in the form of federally purchased foods and cash
for states’ administrative expenses. for states’ administrative expenses.
The child nutrition programs are primarily governed by two statutes: the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and The child nutrition programs are primarily governed by two statutes: the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 as amended. These laws were most recently reauthorized by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 as amended. These laws were most recently reauthorized by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
Act of 2010 (HHFKA, P.L. 111-296), which made several changes to the child nutrition programs. For example, the act Act of 2010 (HHFKA, P.L. 111-296), which made several changes to the child nutrition programs. For example, the act
created the Community Eligibility Provision, an option for eligible schools to provide free meals to all students. It also created the Community Eligibility Provision, an option for eligible schools to provide free meals to all students. It also
required USDA to update nutrition standards in the school meals programs and CACFP within a certain timeframe. While required USDA to update nutrition standards in the school meals programs and CACFP within a certain timeframe. While
certain provisions of the HHFKA expired at the end of FY2015, program operations have continued with annual certain provisions of the HHFKA expired at the end of FY2015, program operations have continued with annual
appropriations. More recently, temporary changes to the child nutrition programs were made in response to the COVID-19 appropriations. More recently, temporary changes to the child nutrition programs were made in response to the COVID-19
pandemic (generally not discussed in this report; see CRS Report R46681, pandemic (generally not discussed in this report; see CRS Report R46681, USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response
to the COVID-19 Pandemic). ).

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Background
The child nutrition programs (summarized iThe child nutrition programs (summarized in Table 1) support meals and snacks served to support meals and snacks served to
children in schools, child care, summer programs, and other institutional settings in all 50 states, children in schools, child care, summer programs, and other institutional settings in all 50 states,
the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories.1 the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories.1 They also support summer grocery benefits for households with school-age children. The programs are administered by the U.S. The programs are administered by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which provides federal Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which provides federal
aid to state agencies (often state departments of education) for distribution to school districts and aid to state agencies (often state departments of education) for distribution to school districts and
other other participating institutions and, in the case of summer grocery benefits, for distribution to households.2 In general, federal funding largely supports food for children from low-income or otherwise qualifying households.3 A related program is~~participating institutions.2 In general, the largest subsidies are provided for free and~~
~~reduced-price meals served to eligible children.3~~
~~The institutional nature of child nutrition programs distinguishes them from other federal~~
~~nutrition assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)~~
~~and~~ the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which
~~provide benefits directly to households~~provides grocery benefits to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children. WIC has typically been reauthorized with the child . WIC has typically been reauthorized with the child
nutrition programs but is nutrition programs but is generally not considered a child nutrition program not considered a child nutrition program because it is funded under a separate account, and is not discussed in this and is not discussed in this
report.4 report.4
The federal child nutrition programs date back to the National School Lunch Act of 1946, which The federal child nutrition programs date back to the National School Lunch Act of 1946, which
created the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).5 This act formalized federal support for created the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).5 This act formalized federal support for
school lunches following early aid beginning in the 1930s. Other child nutrition programs were school lunches following early aid beginning in the 1930s. Other child nutrition programs were
added in the decades to follow as policymakers expanded feeding programs beyond the school added in the decades to follow as policymakers expanded feeding programs beyond the school
setting. The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 formalized the Special Milk Program (SMP) and created setting. The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 formalized the Special Milk Program (SMP) and created
the School Breakfast Program (SBP) as a pilot program.6 Soon after, a program for child care and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) as a pilot program.6 Soon after, a program for child care and
summer meals was piloted in 1968 and separated into the Child Care Food Program (now summer meals was piloted in 1968 and separated into the Child Care Food Program (now
CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in 1975.7 More recently, the Fresh Fruit CACFP) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in 1975.7 More recently, the Fresh Fruit

1 Virtually all of the child nutrition programs operate in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The use of the 1 Virtually all of the child nutrition programs operate in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The use of the
term “state” in this report refers to these jurisdictions as wellterm “state” in this report refers to these jurisdictions as well. In the case of Summer EBT, it also includes some tribal entities. The term does not include the Northern Mariana Islands . The term does not include the Northern Mariana Islands
and American Samoa, which receive block grants in lieu of child nutrition programs. For more information on child and American Samoa, which receive block grants in lieu of child nutrition programs. For more information on child
nutrition programs in the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa, see U.S. Department of the Interior, Office nutrition programs in the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa, see U.S. Department of the Interior, Office
of Insular Affairs, Region IX Federal Regional Council, Outer Pacific Committee, of Insular Affairs, Region IX Federal Regional Council, Outer Pacific Committee, FY2016 Report on Federal
Financial Assistance to the U.S. Pacific and Caribbean Islands, May 1, 2017, p. 10, https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/, May 1, 2017, p. 10, https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/
files/uploads/fy16-report-on-federal-financial-assistance-to-the-insular-areas.pdf. files/uploads/fy16-report-on-federal-financial-assistance-to-the-insular-areas.pdf.
2 For a list of administering agencies by state, see U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service 2 For a list of administering agencies by state, see U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service
(FNS), “Contact Map,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts/contact-map. In past instances, the federal government (via (FNS), “Contact Map,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts/contact-map. In past instances, the federal government (via
USDA-FNS’s regional offices) has, for certain states, taken the place of state agencies (e.g., where a state has chosen USDA-FNS’s regional offices) has, for certain states, taken the place of state agencies (e.g., where a state has chosen
not to operate a specific program or where there is a state prohibition on aiding private schools). not to operate a specific program or where there is a state prohibition on aiding private schools).
3 In addition to serving children, CACFP supports food in adult day care facilities. 3 In addition to serving children, CACFP supports food in adult day care facilities.
4 For 4 For example, see Title IV, Domestic Food Programs, of Division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328). For more information on WIC, see CRS Report R44115, more information on WIC, see CRS Report R44115, A Primer on WIC: The Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants, and Children. .
5 P.L. 79-396; Gordon W. Gunderson, 5 P.L. 79-396; Gordon W. Gunderson, National School Lunch Program: Background and Development, 1971, , 1971,
http://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/history. The 1946 law supported school lunch programs by giving formula grant funding http://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/history. The 1946 law supported school lunch programs by giving formula grant funding
to states based on factors such as per capita income, rather than the present-day open-ended entitlements based largely to states based on factors such as per capita income, rather than the present-day open-ended entitlements based largely
on eligibility and participation rules. on eligibility and participation rules.
6 P.L. 89-642. 6 P.L. 89-642.
7 P.L. 90-302; P.L. 94-105. Adult day care was added in 1987 (Older Americans Act Amendments of 1987; P.L. 100-7 P.L. 90-302; P.L. 94-105. Adult day care was added in 1987 (Older Americans Act Amendments of 1987; P.L. 100-
175). Also see Institute of Medicine, 175). Also see Institute of Medicine, Child and Adult Care Food Program: Aligning Dietary Guidance for All, 2011, p. , 2011, p.
30; USDA-FNS, “Summer Food Service Program History,” March 31, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/program-30; USDA-FNS, “Summer Food Service Program History,” March 31, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/program-
history. history.
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and Vegetable Program (FFVP) was piloted in 2002 and expanded to all states in 2008.8 (See the and Vegetable Program (FFVP) was piloted in 2002 and expanded to all states in 2008.8 (See the
Appendix A for a legislative history of child nutrition programs.) for a legislative history of child nutrition programs.)
Historically, the child nutrition programs have been aimed at both improving children’s nutrition Historically, the child nutrition programs have been aimed at both improving children’s nutrition
and supporting U.S. agriculture, with the dual mission “to safeguard the health and well-being of and supporting U.S. agriculture, with the dual mission “to safeguard the health and well-being of
the Nation’s children and to encourage the domestic consumption of nutritious agricultural the Nation’s children and to encourage the domestic consumption of nutritious agricultural
commodities and other food.”9 commodities and other food.”9
The child nutrition programs are currently authorized under the Richard B. Russell National The child nutrition programs are currently authorized under the Richard B. Russell National
School Lunch Act (NSLA) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.10 Section 32 of the Act of August School Lunch Act (NSLA) and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.10 Section 32 of the Act of August
24, 1935 also provides a portion of child nutrition funding. Congressional jurisdiction over the 24, 1935 also provides a portion of child nutrition funding. Congressional jurisdiction over the
underlying three laws has typically been exercised by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and underlying three laws has typically been exercised by the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry Committee, the House Education and Forestry Committee, the House Education and Workforce (or Labor)~~Labor~~ Committee, and, to a limited extent (relating Committee, and, to a limited extent (relating
to Section 32), the House Agriculture Committee. to Section 32), the House Agriculture Committee.
Congress has periodically amended the child nutrition programs’ authorizing laws and Congress has periodically amended the child nutrition programs’ authorizing laws and
reauthorizes expiring authorities. The child nutrition programs were most recently reauthorized reauthorizes expiring authorities. The child nutrition programs were most recently reauthorized
by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA, P.L. 111-296). Some of the authorities by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA, P.L. 111-296). Some of the authorities
created or extended in the HHFKA expired on September 30, 2015; however, program operations created or extended in the HHFKA expired on September 30, 2015; however, program operations
have continued with annual appropriations.11 During the 114th Congress, the committees of have continued with annual appropriations.11 During the 114th Congress, the committees of
jurisdiction marked up child nutrition reauthorization billsjurisdiction marked up child nutrition reauthorization bills; but these proposals were not enacted.12 these proposals were not enacted.12
Likewise, during the 117th Congress, the House Education and Labor Committee reported a child nutrition reauthorization bill (H.R. 8450) out of committee. The 117th Congress ended without further action on the bill. This report starts with an overview of child nutrition programs’ funding structure and then This report starts with an overview of child nutrition programs’ funding structure and then
provides detail on each program, including a discussion of how they are administered, eligibility provides detail on each program, including a discussion of how they are administered, eligibility
rules for institutions and participants, nutritional and other program requirements, and recent rules for institutions and participants, nutritional and other program requirements, and recent
policy changes. Changes to child nutrition programs that have applied during the COVID-19 policy changes. Changes to child nutrition programs that have applied during the COVID-19
pandemic are briefly discussed in the “Child Nutrition Program Operations During the COVID-pandemic are briefly discussed in the “Child Nutrition Program Operations During the COVID-
19 Pandemic” text box below. The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program—not 19 Pandemic” text box below. The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program—not
considered a child nutrition program—is not discussed in this report. considered a child nutrition program—is not discussed in this report.

8 P.L. 107-171; P.L. 110-246. 8 P.L. 107-171; P.L. 110-246.
9 See declaration of purposes in the NSLA and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. 9 See declaration of purposes in the NSLA and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
10 In 1999, P.L. 106-78 renamed the National School Lunch Act in Senator Richard B. Russell’s honor. 10 In 1999, P.L. 106-78 renamed the National School Lunch Act in Senator Richard B. Russell’s honor.
11 Exceptions include a California program to provide SFSP snacks year-round, which was not extended. USDA’s 11 Exceptions include a California program to provide SFSP snacks year-round, which was not extended. USDA’s
authority to conduct food safety audits and funding for a National Hunger Clearinghouse were not extended in FY2016 authority to conduct food safety audits and funding for a National Hunger Clearinghouse were not extended in FY2016
but were subsequently extended by appropriations acts in each of FY2017 through FY2022. For more information, see but were subsequently extended by appropriations acts in each of FY2017 through FY2022. For more information, see
CRS In Focus IF10266, CRS In Focus IF10266, Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR): An Overview; or CRS memo CD1304737, ; or CRS memo CD1304737, Expiration
of the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-296P.L. 111-296), available to congressional clients on request. , available to congressional clients on request.
12 For more information, see CRS Report R44373, 12 For more information, see CRS Report R44373, Tracking Child Nutrition Reauthorization in the 114th Congress: An
Overview. .
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Table 1. ~~Summary of the Major Child Nutrition Programs~~
~~Number of~~
~~Meals/Snacks~~
~~Reimbursed~~
~~Number of~~
~~Number~~Child Nutrition Programs: Legislative Authorities and Descriptions Program Authorizing Statute Description Per-Child Benefit NSLP Richard B. Russell Subsidized lunches (free, reduced-price, and paid
~~Authorizing~~
~~Per Child~~
~~Participants~~
~~of Sites~~
~~Program~~
~~Statute~~
~~Overview~~
~~Daily~~
~~(FY2019)~~
~~(FY2019)~~
~~NSLP~~
~~Richard B.~~
~~Provides reimbursement for~~
~~One lunch~~
~~29.6 mil ion~~
~~97,100b~~
~~Russell~~
~~lunches served to children in~~
~~(option for one~~
~~National~~
~~pre-K-12 schools.a Options to snack)~~
~~School Lunch~~
~~provide summer lunches~~
~~Act (NSLA)~~
~~through the Seamless~~
~~(42 U.S.C.~~
~~Summer Option (SSO) and~~
~~§1751 et seq.) afterschool snacks through~~
~~the~~ One lunch (option for National School Lunch rate) for children in preschool through grade 12. one snack) daily Act (NSLA) A smaller number of children in residential child (42 U.S.C. §1751 et care institutions are also served.a seq.) Includes an afterschool snack program option (the NSLP Afterschool Snack Program) and a summer meals program option (the Seamless Summer Option). SBP Section 4 of the Child Subsidized breakfasts (free, reduced-price, and paid One breakfast daily Nutrition Act of 1966 rate) for children in preschool through grade 12. (42 U.S.C. §1773) A smaller number of children in residential child care institutions are also served.a CACFP Section 17 Meals and snacks for children in child care centers,b Two meals and one of the NSLA day care homes, and emergency shelters, as well as snack (or one meal and ~~NSLP Afterschool Snack~~
~~program.~~
~~SBP~~
~~Section 4 of~~
~~Provides reimbursement for~~
~~One breakfast~~
~~14.7 mil ion~~
~~90,800b~~
~~the Child~~
~~breakfasts served to children~~
~~Nutrition Act~~
~~in pre-K-12 schools.a Option~~
~~of 1966~~
~~to provide summer breakfasts~~
~~(42 U.S.C.~~
~~through SSO.~~
~~§1773)~~
~~CACFP~~
~~Section 17~~
~~Provides reimbursement for~~
~~Two meals and~~
~~4.8 mil ion~~
~~160,600~~
~~of the NSLA~~
~~meals and snacks served in~~
~~one snack (or~~
~~(42 U.S.C.~~
~~child care and adult day care~~
~~one meal and~~
~~§1766)~~
~~settings.~~
~~two snacks)c~~
~~CACFP~~
~~Section 17(r)~~
~~Provides reimbursement for~~
~~One meal and~~
~~2.2 mil ion~~
~~26,500~~
~~At-Risk~~
~~of the NSLA~~
~~meals and snacks served by~~
~~one snack~~
~~Afterschool~~ (42 U.S.C. §1766) a smaller number of older adults in adult day care two snacks) dailyc homes. CACFP Section 17(r) of the Afterschool meals and snacks for children who One meal and one snack At-Risk NSLA attend an organized afterschool program in a low- daily Afterschool (42 U.S.C. §1766(r)) income area. SFSP Section 13 Summer meals for children who visit community Two meals (or one meal of the NSLA sites or attend summer programs, or for and one snack) dailyc (42 U.S.C. §1761) delivery/pick-up in rural areas. SSO Section 13(a)(8) Summer meals for children who visit school sites Two meals (or one meal of the NSLA or programs, or for delivery/pick-up in rural areas. and one snack) dailyc~~(42 U.S.C.~~
~~afterschool program~~
~~Snack~~
~~§1766(r))~~
~~providers in low-income~~
~~Program~~
~~areas.~~
~~SFSP~~
~~Section 13~~
~~Provides reimbursement for~~
~~Two meals (or~~
~~2.7 mil ion~~
~~47,500~~
~~of the NSLA~~
~~summer meals and snacks~~
~~one meal and~~
~~(42 U.S.C.~~
~~served by school districts,~~
~~one snack)c~~
~~§1761)~~
~~nonprofit organizations, local~~
~~government agencies, and~~
~~summer camps.~~
~~SMP~~
~~Section 3~~
~~Provides reimbursement for~~
~~Not specified~~
~~Not available~~
~~3,000~~
~~of the Child~~
~~milk served in schools and~~
~~Nutrition Act~~
~~other institutions not~~
~~of 1966~~
~~participating in another child~~
~~(42 U.S.C.~~
~~nutrition program.~~
~~§1772)~~
~~FFVP~~
~~Section 19~~
~~Provides funding to states for~~
~~Not specified~~
~~Not available~~
~~Not~~
~~of the NSLA~~
~~grants to serve fresh fruit and~~
~~available~~
~~(42 U.S.C.~~
~~vegetable snacks in~~
~~§1769a)~~
~~elementary schools,~~
~~particularly low-income~~
~~schools.~~
Source: CRS, based on current law and USDA-FNS, “September 2020 Keydata Report,” January 27, 2021,
~~https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/september-2020-keydata-report.~~
Notes: This report uses FY2019 participation data due to atypical participation in FY2020 and FY2021 as a
~~result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related policies. Participation figures may include overlap; for example,~~
~~nearly all SBP schools also participate in NSLP.~~
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~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~a. NSLP and SBP also provide reimbursement for meals served in residential child care institutions,~~ (42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(8)) Summer Section 13A Summer grocery benefits for households with $40 per child in the EBT of the NSLA children eligible for free and reduced-price meals. household per summer (42 U.S.C. §1762) month SMP Section 3 Subsidized milk for institutions that do not Quantity not specified of the Child Nutrition participate in another child nutrition meal service Act of 1966 program, except that school food authorities may (42 U.S.C. §1772) use SMP for children in part-day preschool and kindergarten programs (who do not have access to school lunches). FFVP Section 19 Fresh fruit and vegetable snacks for children in Quantity not specified of the NSLA elementary schools, particularly low-income (42 U.S.C. §1769a) schools. Funding is distributed via formula to states and not all elementary schools may be covered. Source: CRS, based on current law. a. Residential child care institutions are defined in ~~defined in~~
regulations to include “homes for the mentally, emotionally or regulations to include “homes for the mentally, emotionally or physically impaired, and unmarried mothers physically impaired, and unmarried mothers
and their infants; group homes; halfway houses; orphanages; temporary shelters for abused children and for and their infants; group homes; halfway houses; orphanages; temporary shelters for abused children and for
runaway children; long-term care facilities for chronically il children; and juvenile detention centers” (7 runaway children; long-term care facilities for chronically il children; and juvenile detention centers” (7
C.F.R. §210.2). C.F.R. §210.2).
b. b. ~~Includes schools and residential child care institutions.~~
Child care centers include nonprofit organizations, certain for-profit organizations, and school food authorities providing nonresidential child care services as well as emergency shelters. c. CACFP emergency shelters, SFSP camps, and SFSP sites that primarily serve migrant children may receive c. CACFP emergency shelters, SFSP camps, and SFSP sites that primarily serve migrant children may receive
reimbursement for up to three meals or two meals and one snack per child daily. reimbursement for up to three meals or two meals and one snack per child daily.

Congressional Research Service 3 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding Child Nutrition Program Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Starting in March 2020 and continuing through school years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, many school districts Starting in March 2020 and continuing through school years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, many school districts
operated the summer meals programs in lieu of the school meals programs.13 The summer meals programs, under operated the summer meals programs in lieu of the school meals programs.13 The summer meals programs, under
USDA policy facilitated by COVID-19 pandemic response laws, enabled schools to serve free meals to all students USDA policy facilitated by COVID-19 pandemic response laws, enabled schools to serve free meals to all students
without eligibility determinations. without eligibility determinations. ~~Some of the COVID-19 pandemic response authorities expire on June 30, 2022,~~
~~and USDA has announced a transition back to school meal program operations during the 2022-2023 school year.~~
~~With~~ With expanded waiver authority and supplemental funding from COVID-19 pandemic response acts, USDA expanded waiver authority and supplemental funding from COVID-19 pandemic response acts, USDA ~~has~~
also waived several child nutrition program requirements during the pandemic.14 For example, USDA also waived several child nutrition program requirements during the pandemic.14 For example, USDA ~~has~~ allowed allowed
parent pick-up and home delivery of meals, parent pick-up and home delivery of meals, ~~waivers of~~waived certain nutritional requirements, and certain nutritional requirements, and allowed virtual monitoring of virtual monitoring of
~~program operations.15~~
~~For more information about child nutrition program operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, see the~~
~~fol owing:~~

~~CRS Report R46681, USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic; and~~

~~USDA Food and Nutrition Service, “Child Nutrition COVID-19 Waivers,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/fns-~~
~~disaster-assistance/fns-responds-covid-19/child-nutrition-covid-19-waivers.~~
~~Child Nutrition Funding~~
~~Federal Funding~~
~~Most funding for child nutrition programs is considered mandatory spending. However, unlike~~
~~some mandatory programs, child nutrition programs require an appropriation of funding. This is~~
~~because the programs’ authorizing laws include benefit and eligibility criteria that create the~~
~~requirement for a certain level of spending, but the statute does not provide the funding directly.~~
~~Such programs are sometimes referred to as appropriated entitlements or~~ ~~appropriated~~
~~mandatories.16 If the necessary funds are not appropriated and the authorized benefits are not~~
~~made available, entitled recipients (e.g., states, institutions, and participants) may have legal~~
~~recourse.17~~

~~13 In school year 2021-2022, school districts had the option to operate SSO during the school year. In school year 2020-~~
~~2021, school districts and other types of meal providers such as nonprofit organizations were also allowed to operate~~
~~SFSP.~~
~~14 For child nutrition waiver authorities, see Section 12(l) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act~~
~~(codified at 42 U.S.C. §1760(l)) and Sections 2102-2202 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; P.L.~~
~~116-127).~~
~~15 For a list of child nutrition program waivers that USDA has issued during the pandemic, see USDA-FNS, “Child~~
~~Nutrition COVID-19 Waivers,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/fns-disaster-assistance/fns-responds-covid-19/child-~~
~~nutrition-covid-19-waivers.~~
~~16 For further discussion of appropriated entitlements, see CRS Report RS20129,~~ ~~Entitlements and Appropriated~~
~~Entitlements in the Federal Budget Process~~.
~~17 GAO Budget Glossary, p. 13, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-05-734SP.~~
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~~link to page 9 link to page 10 link to page 10~~program operations.15 Some of the COVID-19 pandemic response authorities expired on June 30, 2022, and USDA announced a transition back to normal child nutrition program operations starting in the 2022-2023 school year. However, some waivers remained in effect and program operators received enhanced funding (approximately $3 billion) in summer 2022 and school year 2022-2023 as a result of the Keep Kids Fed Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-158).16 Also, in school years 2021-2022 through 2023-2024 USDA distributed $3.7 billion in “Supply Chain Assistance Funds” to states and school food authorities using Commodity Credit Corporation authority.17 According to a survey conducted by USDA, 97% of school food authorities reported at least one continuing supply chain-related challenge in school year 2022-2023, such as increased costs, staffing shortages, and product shortages.18 For further information on child nutrition policies during the pandemic, see CRS Report R46681, USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 13 In school year 2021-2022, school districts had the option to operate SSO during the school year. In school year 2020-2021, school districts and other types of meal providers such as nonprofit organizations were also allowed to operate SFSP. 14 For child nutrition waiver authorities, see Section 12(l) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1760(l)) and Sections 2102-2202 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; P.L. 116-127). 15 For a list of child nutrition program waivers that USDA has issued during the pandemic, see USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition COVID-19 Waivers,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/fns-disaster-assistance/fns-responds-covid-19/child-nutrition-covid-19-waivers. 16 In school year 2022-2023, USDA distributed additional child nutrition funding through Supply Chain Assistance Funds (cited below) and the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative (https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/healthy-meals-incentives, discussed further under “Other Child Nutrition Activities” in this report). For a list of waivers applicable to summer 2022 and school year 2022-2023, see USDA, FNS, “CN Flexibilities for Summer 2022 and School Year 2022-23,” September 22, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/flexibilies-summer-22-sy-22-23. For estimated funding, see USDA-FNS, “2024 USDA Explanatory Notes – Food and Nutrition Service,” p. 35-14. 17 USDA-FNS, “Fourth Allocation of Supply Chain Assistance Funds to Alleviate Supply Chain Disruptions in the School Meals Programs,” SP 19-2023, August 7, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/fourth-allocation-supply-chain-assistance-sca-funds. 18 USDA-FNS, “Results of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service-Administered School Food Authority Survey II on Supply Chain Disruption and Student Participation,” July 25, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/results-fns-administered-sfa-survey2-supply-chain-disruption. Congressional Research Service 4 link to page 12 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding Child Nutrition Funding Federal Funding Most funding for child nutrition programs is considered mandatory spending. However, unlike some mandatory programs, child nutrition programs require an appropriation of funding. This is because the programs’ authorizing laws include benefit and eligibility criteria that create the requirement for a certain level of spending, but the statute does not provide the funding directly. Such programs are sometimes referred to as appropriated entitlements or appropriated mandatories.19 If the necessary funds are not appropriated and the authorized benefits are not made available, entitled recipients (e.g., states, institutions, and participants) may have legal recourse.20 ~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

The benefit and eligibility criteria that governs much of the appropriated mandatory spending for The benefit and eligibility criteria that governs much of the appropriated mandatory spending for
child nutrition programs is open-ended. Because there is no specified limit on the number of child nutrition programs is open-ended. Because there is no specified limit on the number of
beneficiaries or the total amount of benefits that will be paid, spending fluctuates based on the beneficiaries or the total amount of benefits that will be paid, spending fluctuates based on the
number of meals and snacks served in the programs and statutorily set, annually adjusted per-number of meals and snacks served in the programs and statutorily set, annually adjusted per-
meal reimbursement rates. Congress typically considers USDA’s forecast for program needs in its meal reimbursement rates. Congress typically considers USDA’s forecast for program needs in its
appropriations decisions. appropriations decisions.
Appropriated mandatory funding in child nutrition programs is generally for per-meal cash Appropriated mandatory funding in child nutrition programs is generally for per-meal cash
reimbursements, commodity assistance, and administrative funds. The programs also have a reimbursements, commodity assistance, and administrative funds. The programs also have a
smaller amount of discretionary funding (determined in annual appropriations acts) and smaller amount of discretionary funding (determined in annual appropriations acts) and
mandatory funding (directly provided in the authorizing law, not annual appropriations acts). mandatory funding (directly provided in the authorizing law, not annual appropriations acts).
These funding streams are discussed in further detail below. These funding streams are discussed in further detail below.
Child nutrition appropriations totaled $ Child nutrition appropriations totaled $~~26.9~~28.6 billion in billion in ~~FY2022~~FY2023 (P.L. 117- (P.L. 117-~~103). Close to $20~~ 328). Just over $25 billion billion
of these funds were transferred to the child nutrition programs from Section 32 of the Act of of these funds were transferred to the child nutrition programs from Section 32 of the Act of
August 24, 1935.August 24, 1935.18
~~Table 2~~ ~~lists FY2022 child nutrition funding~~21 Separately, Section 32 provided $238 million for FFVP for FY2023.22 Figure 1 presents FY2023 child nutrition appropriations by program and activity. Child nutrition by program and activity. Child nutrition
appropriations may not match expenditures because most child nutrition funds carry over (they appropriations may not match expenditures because most child nutrition funds carry over (they
are available for two fiscal years) and because spending fluctuates with the number of meals are available for two fiscal years) and because spending fluctuates with the number of meals
served. served.
~~Table 2. Annual Funding for Child Nutrition Programs and Selected Activities,~~
~~FY2022~~
~~FY2022~~
~~Type of~~
~~Funding~~
~~Funding~~
~~(in millions)~~

~~NSLP~~
AM
~~$14,666~~
~~SBP~~
AM
~~5,189~~
~~CACFP~~
AM
~~4,315~~
~~Commodity Procurement~~
AM
~~1,568~~
~~SFSP~~
AM
~~581~~
~~State Administrative Expenses~~
AM
~~332~~
~~FFVP~~
M
~~233~~
~~Othera~~
~~M, D~~
~~117~~
~~Summer Meal Demonstrations~~
D
45
~~School Meal Equipment Assistance Grants~~
D
30
~~Team Nutrition~~
D
18
~~Farm to School Programb~~
~~M, D~~
17
~~SMP~~
AM
6
~~Total~~

~~27,117~~

~~18 “Congressional Record, Explanatory Statement Submitted by Ms. DeLauro, Chair of the House Committee on~~
~~Appropriations, Regarding the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2471, Consolidated~~
~~Appropriations Act, 2022,” Congressional Record, vol. 168, book 3 (March 9, 2022), https://www.congress.gov/117/~~
~~crec/2022/03/09/168/42/CREC-2022-03-09-bk3.pdf~~ 19 For further discussion of appropriated entitlements, see CRS Report RS20129, Entitlements and Appropriated Entitlements in the Federal Budget Process. 20 GAO Budget Glossary, p. 13, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-05-734SP. 21 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, H.R. 2617/P.L. 117-328 [Legislative Text and Explanatory Statement]: Book 1 of 2: Divisions A-F, committee print, 117th Cong., 2nd sess., 2023, H.Prt. 50-347, p. 77. Section 32 is a permanent appropriation of 30% of the previous . Section 32 is a permanent appropriation of 30% of the previous
calendar year’s customs receipts. For more information on Section 32, see CRS calendar year’s customs receipts. For more information on Section 32, see CRS ~~Report RL34081~~In Focus IF12193, , Farm and Food
Support Under USDA’s Section 32 ~~Program~~.Account. 22 USDA-FNS, “FFVP: Allocation of Funds for Fiscal Year 2023,” SP 12-2022, June 23, 2022.
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~~link to page 10~~ 5 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding

~~Source~~Figure 1. Appropriations for Child Nutrition Programs, FY2023 Sources: CRS, based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, CRS, based on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, ~~2022~~2023 (P.L. 117- (P.L. 117-~~103) and the explanatory~~
~~statement accompanying Division A (Congressional Record, Vol. 168, No. 42-Book III, March 9, 2022),~~
~~https://www.congress.gov/117/crec/2022/03/09/168/42/CREC-2022-03-09-bk3.pdf and USDA-FNS, “Fresh Fruit~~
~~and Vegetable Program (FFVP): Al ocation of Funds for FY2022,” June 1, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/sp-~~
~~14-2021. Aside from FFVP, child nutrition activities with mandatory funding (direct appropriations) are not~~
~~included in the total.~~
Notes: AM = appropriated mandatory, M = mandatory spending provided in authorizing law, D = discretionary.
~~Figures rounded to the nearest mil ion.~~
a. 328) and U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, H.R. 2617/P.L. 117-328 [Legislative Text and Explanatory Statement]: Book 1 of 2: Divisions A-F, committee print, 117th Cong., 2nd sess., 2023, H.Prt. 50-347, p. 77 unless otherwise noted. Notes: Rows may not sum to total due to rounding. Total available funding for the fiscal year may be higher than appropriations due to carryover funds. (a) The “Other” category includes funding for administrative reviews, food safety, technology, training and The “Other” category includes funding for administrative reviews, food safety, technology, training and
technical assistance, research, technical assistance, research, and payment oversightpayment oversight~~, and~~. (b) “Discretionary grants” includes funding for school meal equipment assistance grants, Team Nutrition, school breakfast expansion grants school breakfast expansion grants.
b. , and the Summer EBT demonstration in FY2023. (c) Section 18(g)(8)(A) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769(g)(8)(A)) provides $5 mil ion in annual mandatory funding Section 18(g)(8)(A) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769(g)(8)(A)) provides $5 mil ion in annual mandatory funding
for the farm to school program. The program also received $for the farm to school program. The program also received $1220 mil ion in annual appropriations in mil ion in annual appropriations in ~~FY2022~~FY2023. .
Per-Meal Cash Reimbursements
The majority of federal funding in child nutrition programs (including in NSLP, SBP, CACFP, The majority of federal funding in child nutrition programs (including in NSLP, SBP, CACFP,
SFSP, and SMP) takes the form of per-meal cash reimbursements. These rates are specified in the SFSP, and SMP) takes the form of per-meal cash reimbursements. These rates are specified in the
programs’ authorizing laws with an annual inflation adjustment.programs’ authorizing laws with an annual inflation adjustment.1923 Although all (including full- Although all (including full-
price) meals/snacks served by participating providers are subsidized, those served for free or at a price) meals/snacks served by participating providers are subsidized, those served for free or at a
reduced price to lower-income children earn higher rates. Meals must meet federal nutritional reduced price to lower-income children earn higher rates. Meals must meet federal nutritional
requirements in order for the school district or institution to receive reimbursement.requirements in order for the school district or institution to receive reimbursement.20
~~Reimbursement rates differ by program based on different criteria. For example, in SBP, schools~~
~~in high-poverty areas receive an extra 38 cents per meal. Differences in reimbursement rates are~~
~~highlighted within the subsequent discussions of each program.~~
~~In general, FNS distributes per-meal reimbursements to state agencies, which disburse them to~~
~~participating school districts and institutions. Districts and institutions must record daily counts of~~
~~meals in each category and report monthly counts to the state agency in order to receive~~
~~reimbursement. Once they receive federal funds, participating institutions are allowed to spend~~
~~these funds on most aspects of their food service operations.~~
Table 3 provides an example of the per-lunch reimbursement rate for school districts and
~~participant benefits in NSLP. Reimbursement rates for each child nutrition program are listed in~~
~~the sections to follow.~~
~~Table 3. Example: NSLP School and Participant Benefits~~
~~NSLP Lunch Reimbursement Rates and Child Benefits for the 48 Contiguous States and the~~
~~District of Columbia, School Year 2021-2022~~
~~What the School District~~
~~What the Participating~~
~~Meal Category~~
~~Receives~~
~~Child Receives~~
~~Free~~
~~$3.66-$3.90~~
~~Free lunch~~

1924 23 For more detail on how inflation adjustment is conducted, see the child nutrition program section of CRS Report For more detail on how inflation adjustment is conducted, see the child nutrition program section of CRS Report
R42000, R42000, Inflation-Indexing Elements in Federal Entitlement Programs. Most reimbursements (including for schools . Most reimbursements (including for schools
and child care centers) are indexed annually based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and child care centers) are indexed annually based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U)
Food Away from Home Component. For family child care homes, the annual indexing is based on the CPI-U Food at Food Away from Home Component. For family child care homes, the annual indexing is based on the CPI-U Food at
Home Component. Home Component.
2024 The authorizing statutes for all four of the main child nutrition programs include nutritional requirements for the The authorizing statutes for all four of the main child nutrition programs include nutritional requirements for the
meals and snacks served; these are sometimes referred to as “nutrition standards,” “nutrition guidelines,” or “meal meals and snacks served; these are sometimes referred to as “nutrition standards,” “nutrition guidelines,” or “meal
patterns.” The nutrition standards differ by program in consideration of different age groups served and the settings in patterns.” The nutrition standards differ by program in consideration of different age groups served and the settings in
which meals are served, among other factors. See program regulations for nutritional requirements: NSLP, 7 C.F.R. which meals are served, among other factors. See program regulations for nutritional requirements: NSLP, 7 C.F.R.
§210.10; SBP, 7 C.F.R. §220.8; CACFP, 7 C.F.R. §226.20; SFSP, 7 C.F.R. §225.16. §210.10; SBP, 7 C.F.R. §220.8; CACFP, 7 C.F.R. §226.20; SFSP, 7 C.F.R. §225.16.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
6 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 46 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding Reimbursement rates differ by program based on different criteria. For example, in SBP, schools in high-poverty areas receive an extra 45 cents per meal. Differences in reimbursement rates are highlighted within the subsequent discussions of each program. In general, FNS distributes per-meal reimbursements to state agencies, which disburse them to participating school districts and institutions. Districts and institutions must record daily counts of meals in each category and report monthly counts to the state agency in order to receive reimbursement. Once they receive federal funds, participating institutions are allowed to spend these funds on most aspects of their food service operations. Table 2 provides an example of the per-lunch reimbursement rate for school districts and participant benefits in NSLP. Reimbursement rates for each child nutrition program are listed in the sections to follow. Table 2. Example: NSLP Per-Meal Reimbursements, School Year 2023-2024 What the School Food Authority Receives (Per-Meal What the Participating Meal Category Reimbursement Ratea) Child Receives Free $4.25-$4.50 Free lunch Reduced-price $3.85-$4.10 Lunch for $0.40 or lessb Paid $0.40-$0.56 Lunch at ful priceb 6

~~link to page 11 link to page 11~~ ~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~What the School District~~
~~What the Participating~~
~~Meal Category~~
~~Receives~~
~~Child Receives~~
~~Reduced-price~~
~~$3.26-$3.59~~
~~Lunch for $0.40 or lessa~~
~~Paid~~
~~$0.35-$0.50~~
~~Lunch at ful pricea~~
Source: USDA FNS, “National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs, National Average USDA FNS, “National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs, National Average
Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates,” July Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates,” July ~~22, 2020~~7, 2023, 85 , 85 Federal Register 4427044270 ~~(includes~~. a. Chart shows reimbursement rates for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. For rates for ~~rates for~~ Alaska, Alaska,
Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin IslandsGuam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
~~Notes:~~, see Federal Register notice. Ranges reflect variations in reimbursement rates for lunches meeting certain statutory criteria. Average Ranges reflect variations in reimbursement rates for lunches meeting certain statutory criteria. Average
national rates are shown; states may apportion funds among school districts above or below the average rates.national rates are shown; states may apportion funds among school districts above or below the average rates.
a b. Some states and school districts cover the remainder of meal fees. Some states and school districts cover the remainder of meal fees~~, particularly for students in the reduced-~~
~~price category.~~
~~Commodity Assistance~~
~~Federal support for child nutrition programs is also provided in the form of USDA-purchased~~
~~foods (USDA Foods) and some cash in lieu of commodities. USDA Foods are foods purchased by~~
~~USDA for distribution to federal nutrition assistance programs, including child nutrition~~
~~programs.21~~ for students in the reduced-price and/or paid rate categories. Summer EBT Benefits Like SFSP and SSO, Summer EBT is an appropriated entitlement. The law establishes a set amount of benefits for households ($40 per eligible child per summer month) with an annual inflation adjustment (discussed further in the “Summer EBT” section). Funding is to be distributed to state agencies, territories, and tribes for distribution to households. While funding has not yet been determined for summer 2024, USDA requested a $1.87 billion appropriation for FY2024—including $170 million in state administrative costs and $2.5 million for federal administrative costs—based on its projection of serving 27 million children.25 Commodity Assistance Federal support for child nutrition programs is also provided in the form of USDA-purchased foods (USDA Foods) and some cash in lieu of commodities. USDA Foods are foods purchased by 25 USDA-FNS, “2024 USDA Explanatory Notes–Food and Nutrition Service,” https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2024-FNS.pdf. Congressional Research Service 7 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding USDA for distribution to federal nutrition assistance programs, including child nutrition programs.26
States, schools, and other institutions are entitled to a certain amount of commodity assistance States, schools, and other institutions are entitled to a certain amount of commodity assistance
under the law, referred to as under the law, referred to as entitlement commodity assistance. In NSLP and CACFP, statute assistance. In NSLP and CACFP, statute
provides a per-meal commodity reimbursement (an inflation-adjusted rate of provides a per-meal commodity reimbursement (an inflation-adjusted rate of 2629.5 cents per meal in cents per meal in
school year school year ~~2021-2022).22~~2023-2024).27 (Note: Commodity assistance is not provided specifically for SBP; (Note: Commodity assistance is not provided specifically for SBP;
however, commodities distributed through NSLP may be used for school breakfasts.however, commodities distributed through NSLP may be used for school breakfasts.2328) A smaller ) A smaller
amount of commodity assistance is also provided to certain types of institutions participating in amount of commodity assistance is also provided to certain types of institutions participating in
SFSP.SFSP.2429
Schools and institutions use entitlement commodity funds to select commodities from a USDA Schools and institutions use entitlement commodity funds to select commodities from a USDA
Foods catalog.Foods catalog.2530 USDA then purchases the commodities and works with state distribution USDA then purchases the commodities and works with state distribution

21agencies to send foods for further processing or distribute them to schools and institutions. Schools/institutions and state agencies can elect to receive a certain amount of commodity assistance in the form of cash (this is the case for less than 1% of NSLP commodity aid but nearly all of the commodity aid distributed through CACFP).31 26 For more information, see USDA-FNS, “USDA Foods in Schools,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-fis. For more information, see USDA-FNS, “USDA Foods in Schools,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-fis.
~~22 In recent years, approximately 10 cents has been provided on top of this amount.~~27 Section 6(c) of the NSLA (42 Section 6(c) of the NSLA (42
U.S.C. §1755(c)) and Section 17(h)(1)(B) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1766(h)(1)(B)); U.S.C. §1755(c)) and Section 17(h)(1)(B) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1766(h)(1)(B)); and USDA-FNS, “Food Distribution USDA-FNS, “Food Distribution
Program: Value of Donated Foods From July 1, Program: Value of Donated Foods From July 1, ~~2021~~2023, Through June 30, , Through June 30, ~~2022,” 86~~2024,” 88 Federal Register ~~40803~~44775, July , July ~~29,~~
~~2021~~13, 2023, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/~~2021/07/29/2021-16107~~2023/07/13/2023-14810/food-distribution-program-value-of-/food-distribution-program-value-of-
donated-foods-from-july-1-donated-foods-from-july-1-~~2021~~2023-through-june-30--through-june-30-~~2022.~~
232024. 28 Section 6(d) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1755(d)) prohibits commodity support based on the number of Section 6(d) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1755(d)) prohibits commodity support based on the number of
breakfasts served through SBP. However, Section 4(b)(4) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (codified at 42 U.S.C. breakfasts served through SBP. However, Section 4(b)(4) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (codified at 42 U.S.C.
§1773(b)(4)) authorizes USDA to provide at least 3 cents in commodity assistance per breakfast “whenever stocks of §1773(b)(4)) authorizes USDA to provide at least 3 cents in commodity assistance per breakfast “whenever stocks of
agricultural commodities are acquired by the Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation and are not likely to be agricultural commodities are acquired by the Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation and are not likely to be
sold by the Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation or otherwise used in programs of commodity sale or sold by the Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation or otherwise used in programs of commodity sale or
distribution.” distribution.”
2429 Section 13(h) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(h)). Per program regulations, SFSP sponsor organizations Section 13(h) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(h)). Per program regulations, SFSP sponsor organizations
eligible for commodity assistance include “Self-preparation sponsors; sponsors which have entered into an agreement eligible for commodity assistance include “Self-preparation sponsors; sponsors which have entered into an agreement
with a school or school food authority for the preparation of meals; and sponsors which are school food authorities and with a school or school food authority for the preparation of meals; and sponsors which are school food authorities and
have competitively procured Program meals from the same food service management company from which they have competitively procured Program meals from the same food service management company from which they
competitively procured meals for the National School Lunch Program during the last period in which school was in competitively procured meals for the National School Lunch Program during the last period in which school was in
session.” (7 C.F.R. §225.9(b)). Statute does not specify the level of entitlement commodity funding for SFSP. session.” (7 C.F.R. §225.9(b)). Statute does not specify the level of entitlement commodity funding for SFSP.
~~25 For a list of products offered in school year 2022-2023~~In FY2022, institutions participating in SFSP received a total of $27.6 million in commodity assistance, according to USDA-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/June-2023-keydata-report. 30 For a list of products offered, see USDA-FNS, “USDA Foods Available List for School , see USDA-FNS, “USDA Foods Available List for School
~~Year 2022-2023~~Year 2023-2024 for Schools and Institutions,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-fis/usda-foods-available. Under a Pilot for Schools and Institutions,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-fis/usda-foods-available. Under a Pilot
Project for Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables authorized by the 2014 farm bill (§4202 of P.L. 113-79) under Section Project for Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables authorized by the 2014 farm bill (§4202 of P.L. 113-79) under Section
6(f) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1755(f)), USDA may allow up to eight states to use a portion of their 6(f) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1755(f)), USDA may allow up to eight states to use a portion of their
~~Congressional Research Service~~
7

~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~agencies to send foods for further processing or distribute them to schools and institutions.~~
~~Schools/institutions and state agencies can elect to receive a certain amount of commodity~~
~~assistance in the form of cash (this is the case for less than 1% of NSLP commodity aid but nearly~~
~~all of the commodity aid distributed through CACFP).26~~commodity assistance dollars to purchase unprocessed fruits and vegetables from suppliers outside of the federal USDA Foods supply chain. For a list of participating states, see USDA-FNS, “Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-fis/pilot-project-procurement-unprocessed-fruits-and-vegetables. 31 0.1% of NSLP entitlement commodity aid and 99.9% of CACFP entitlement commodity aid was in the form of cash in FY2022, according to USDA-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/June-2023-keydata-report. School food authorities participating in NSLP may elect to receive up to 5 cents of the per-lunch commodity subsidy in the form of cash for processing and handling expenses (per program regulations at 7 C.F.R. §240.5). Kansas receives cash payments in lieu of USDA Foods as a result of the National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act amendments of 1975. In CACFP, states may request any amount of cash-in-lieu of commodities per Section 17(h)(1)(D) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(h)(1)(D)). Congressional Research Service 8 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding
According to statute, entitlement commodity assistance must equal at least 12% of the total According to statute, entitlement commodity assistance must equal at least 12% of the total
funding provided for lunch reimbursements and child nutrition commodities.funding provided for lunch reimbursements and child nutrition commodities.2732 The majority of The majority of
commodity assistance is distributed through NSLP.commodity assistance is distributed through NSLP.2833
The child nutrition programs can also receive The child nutrition programs can also receive bonus commodities, which are commodities that are , which are commodities that are
purchased at USDA’s discretion throughout the year to support the agricultural economy using purchased at USDA’s discretion throughout the year to support the agricultural economy using
separate budget authorities. There are comparatively fewer bonus commodities distributed separate budget authorities. There are comparatively fewer bonus commodities distributed
through child nutrition programs.through child nutrition programs.2934
Administrative Funds
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act allows USDA to retain up to 3.5% of annual The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act allows USDA to retain up to 3.5% of annual
child nutrition funding for its administrative expenses related to child nutrition programs and child nutrition funding for its administrative expenses related to child nutrition programs and
WIC.WIC.3035 In addition, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 authorizes open-ended funding for USDA’s In addition, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 authorizes open-ended funding for USDA’s
administrative expenses in carrying out the programs and activities under that act (which include administrative expenses in carrying out the programs and activities under that act (which include
SBP, SMP, other child nutrition activities, and WIC).SBP, SMP, other child nutrition activities, and WIC).3136
There is also specific funding authorized for state agencies’ expenses related to the administration There is also specific funding authorized for state agencies’ expenses related to the administration
of child nutrition programs. According to statute, federal funding for states’ administrative of child nutrition programs. According to statute, federal funding for states’ administrative
expenses must equal at least 1.5% of federal expenditures on NSLP, SBP, CACFP, and SMP in expenses must equal at least 1.5% of federal expenditures on NSLP, SBP, CACFP, and SMP in
the second preceding fiscal year.the second preceding fiscal year.3237 The majority of these funds are allocated to states based on The majority of these funds are allocated to states based on
their share of spending on the four programs. Any remaining funds are allocated by the Secretary their share of spending on the four programs. Any remaining funds are allocated by the Secretary

~~commodity assistance dollars to purchase unprocessed fruits and vegetables from suppliers outside of the federal~~
~~USDA Foods supply chain. For a list of participating states, see USDA-FNS, “Pilot Project for Procurement of~~
~~Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/usda-fis/pilot-project-procurement-unprocessed-fruits-~~
~~and-vegetables.~~
~~26 0.1% of NSLP entitlement commodity aid and 99% of CACFP entitlement commodity aid was in the form of cash in~~
~~FY2021, according to USDA-FNS, “January 2022 Keydata Report,” April 13, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/~~
~~keydata-report. School food authorities participating in NSLP may elect to receive up to 5 cents of the per-lunch~~
~~commodity subsidy in the form of cash for processing and handling expenses (per program regulations at 7 C.F.R.~~
~~§240.5). Kansas receives cash payments in lieu of USDA Foods as a result of the National School Lunch Act and Child~~
~~Nutrition Act amendments of 1975. In CACFP, states may request any amount of cash-in-lieu of commodities per~~
~~Section 17(h)(1)(D) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(h)(1)(D)).~~
27of Agriculture on a discretionary basis; per program regulations, states receive additional amounts for CACFP, commodity distribution, and administrative reviews of schools/institutions.38 Once states receive administrative funds, they can apportion them among child nutrition programs and activities as they see fit.39 In addition, states receive separate administrative payments through SFSP that equal at least 2.5% of their summer meal aid.40 For Summer EBT, states and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) are 32 Section 6(e) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1755(e)). Not less than 12% of the assistance provided under Section 6(e) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1755(e)). Not less than 12% of the assistance provided under
Section 6 (commodity assistance) and Section 4 and Section 11 (NSLP cash reimbursements) of the NSLA must be Section 6 (commodity assistance) and Section 4 and Section 11 (NSLP cash reimbursements) of the NSLA must be
provided as Section 6 commodity assistance. Prior to FY2018, bonus commodity assistance was allowed to count provided as Section 6 commodity assistance. Prior to FY2018, bonus commodity assistance was allowed to count
toward this requirement. toward this requirement.
2833 Entitlement commodity assistance totaled $ Entitlement commodity assistance totaled $~~951 million~~1.49 billion in NSLP, $ in NSLP, $~~170~~176.5 million in CACFP, and $ million in CACFP, and $1027.6 million in SFSP million in SFSP
~~in FY2021~~in FY2022. USDA-FNS, “. USDA-FNS, “~~January 2022~~June 2023 Keydata Report,” Keydata Report,” ~~April 13, 2022~~September 8, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/~~keydata-~~
June-2023-keydata-report. report.
2934 There was $5.7 million in bonus commodities delivered through child nutrition programs in FY2019, $16.6 million There was $5.7 million in bonus commodities delivered through child nutrition programs in FY2019, $16.6 million
in FY2020, in FY2020, ~~and~~ $13.1 million in FY2021$13.1 million in FY2021, and $26.8 million in FY2022. USDA-FNS, “November Keydata Report (September 2019 data),” December . USDA-FNS, “November Keydata Report (September 2019 data),” December
13, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/november-keydata-report-september-2019-data; USDA-FNS, “March Keydata 13, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/november-keydata-report-september-2019-data; USDA-FNS, “March Keydata
Report (November 2020 data),” March 12, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/march-keydata-report-november-2020-Report (November 2020 data),” March 12, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/march-keydata-report-november-2020-
data; data; ~~and~~ USDA-FNS, “January 2022 Keydata Report,” April 13, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/USDA-FNS, “January 2022 Keydata Report,” April 13, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/keydata-report; and USDA-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/June-2023-keydata-report. 35~~keydata-report.~~
30 Section 6 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1755). Section 6 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1755).
3136 Section 14 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1783). Section 14 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1783).
3237 Section 7 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1776). Section 7 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1776).
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~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~of Agriculture on a discretionary basis; per program regulations, states receive additional amounts~~
~~for CACFP, commodity distribution, and administrative reviews of schools/institutions.33 Once~~
~~states receive administrative funds, they can apportion them among child nutrition programs and~~
~~activities as they see fit.34~~
~~In addition, states receive separate administrative payments through SFSP that equal at least 2.5%~~
~~of their summer meal aid.35~~38 7 C.F.R. §235.4. 39 7 C.F.R. §235.6. 40 Section 13(k)(1) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(k)(1)); 7 C.F.R. §225.5. Congressional Research Service 9 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding authorized to receive federal funding to cover half of their administrative expenses.41 States may also retain a portion of FFVP aid for their administrative States may also retain a portion of FFVP aid for their administrative
expenses.expenses.3642
At the local level, schools and institutions may use per-meal reimbursements to cover their At the local level, schools and institutions may use per-meal reimbursements to cover their
administrative costs. In CACFP, institutions that oversee day care homes receive separate administrative costs. In CACFP, institutions that oversee day care homes receive separate
monthly payments for administrative expenses based on the number of day care homes under monthly payments for administrative expenses based on the number of day care homes under
their jurisdiction.their jurisdiction.3743
Other Federal Funding
A few child nutrition programs and activities have mandatory funding provided directly in the A few child nutrition programs and activities have mandatory funding provided directly in the
authorizing law. For example, FFVP receives mandatory funding from Section 32 and the farm to authorizing law. For example, FFVP receives mandatory funding from Section 32 and the farm to
school program receives mandatory funding under the NSLA.school program receives mandatory funding under the NSLA.3844
There are also a few child nutrition activities that are funded on a discretionary basis, including There are also a few child nutrition activities that are funded on a discretionary basis, including
the the ~~Summer EBT demonstration, the~~ Team Nutrition initiativeTeam Nutrition initiative, and school meals equipment and school meals equipment
~~grants.~~
grants. Other temporary sources of child nutrition funding may be available. For example, in school years 2021-2022 through 2023-2024, USDA distributed “Supply Chain Assistance Funds” to states and school food authorities using Commodity Credit Corporation authority.45 Nonfederal Funding
Federal subsidies do not necessarily cover the full cost of meals and snacks prepared by schools Federal subsidies do not necessarily cover the full cost of meals and snacks prepared by schools
and institutions.and institutions.3946 Child nutrition programs may also receive funds from participants, states, Child nutrition programs may also receive funds from participants, states,
school districts, local governments, and other entities. NSLP is the only child nutrition program school districts, local governments, and other entities. NSLP is the only child nutrition program
with a cost-sharing requirement for states, which amounts to a contribution of roughly $200 with a cost-sharing requirement for states, which amounts to a contribution of roughly $200
million from all states combined annually.million from all states combined annually.4047 Some states provide additional funding for NSLP and Some states provide additional funding for NSLP and

~~33 7 C.F.R. §235.4.~~
~~34 7 C.F.R. §235.6.~~
~~35 Section 13(k)(1) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(k)(1)); 7 C.F.R. §225.5.~~
36other child nutrition programs beyond the required amount, including some states that provide 41 Section 502(c) of the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-328). 42 Section 19 of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1769(i)(6)(B)). Section 19 of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1769(i)(6)(B)).
3743 Section 17(f)(3)(B) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(f)(3)(B)); 7 C.F.R. §226.12. Section 17(f)(3)(B) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(f)(3)(B)); 7 C.F.R. §226.12.
3844 Other child nutrition activities with mandatory funding include the Institute of Child Nutrition, administrative Other child nutrition activities with mandatory funding include the Institute of Child Nutrition, administrative
reviews, technical assistance for program integrity, and professional standards for school food service personnel. See p. reviews, technical assistance for program integrity, and professional standards for school food service personnel. See p.
35-35-1315 of USDA-FNS, “ of USDA-FNS, “~~2023~~2024 USDA Explanatory Notes USDA Explanatory Notes – –Food and Nutrition Service,” https://www.usda.gov/sites/Food and Nutrition Service,” https://www.usda.gov/sites/
default/files/documents/35-default/files/documents/35-~~2023~~2024-FNS.pdf.-FNS.pdf.
39 45 USDA-FNS, “Fourth Allocation of Supply Chain Assistance Funds to Alleviate Supply Chain Disruptions in the School Meals Programs,” SP 19-2023, August 7, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/fourth-allocation-supply-chain-assistance-sca-funds. 46 Based on a study by USDA of meal costs in school year 2014-2015, the average lunch reimbursement ($2.26) Based on a study by USDA of meal costs in school year 2014-2015, the average lunch reimbursement ($2.26)
covered 62% of the average reported (direct) cost ($3.66) of producing a reimbursable lunch and 41% of the average covered 62% of the average reported (direct) cost ($3.66) of producing a reimbursable lunch and 41% of the average
full (including indirect) cost ($5.55) of producing a reimbursable lunch. USDA-FNS, full (including indirect) cost ($5.55) of producing a reimbursable lunch. USDA-FNS, School Nutrition and Meal Cost
Study, Final Report Volume 3: School Meal Costs and Revenues, Office of Policy Support, April 2019, p. 53, , Office of Policy Support, April 2019, p. 53,
https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-nutrition-and-meal-cost-study. https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-nutrition-and-meal-cost-study.
4047 Section 7(a)(1) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1756(a)(1)). The required contribution in NSLP equals 30% of Section 7(a)(1) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1756(a)(1)). The required contribution in NSLP equals 30% of
Section 4 funds (the NSLP base reimbursement) made available to states in school year 1980-1981 (not inflation Section 4 funds (the NSLP base reimbursement) made available to states in school year 1980-1981 (not inflation
adjusted), which was $200 million according to U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and adjusted), which was $200 million according to U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry, Forestry, Child Nutrition Programs: Description, History, Issues, and Options, committee print, 98th Cong., 1st Sess., , committee print, 98th Cong., 1st Sess.,
January 1983, S. Prt. 98-15 (Washington, DC: GPO, 1983), p. 8. States must also maintain level funding to the amount January 1983, S. Prt. 98-15 (Washington, DC: GPO, 1983), p. 8. States must also maintain level funding to the amount
expended in FY1977 for state administrative expenses associated with NSLP, SBP, and SMP, per Section 7(f) of Child expended in FY1977 for state administrative expenses associated with NSLP, SBP, and SMP, per Section 7(f) of Child
Nutrition Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1776(f)). Nutrition Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1776(f)).
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~~other child nutrition programs beyond the required amount, including some states that provide~~
~~their own per-meal reimbursements.41~~their own per-meal reimbursements. In addition, nine states (as of the cover date of this report) have authorized funding to provide universal free school meals to all students.48
An FNS study of the school meals programs in school year 2014-2015 found that approximately An FNS study of the school meals programs in school year 2014-2015 found that approximately
63% of school food service revenues came from federal funds, 31% came from student payments 63% of school food service revenues came from federal funds, 31% came from student payments
for paid and reduced-price meals and other school foods, and 6% came from state and local funds for paid and reduced-price meals and other school foods, and 6% came from state and local funds
(shown i(shown in Figure 12)..42
49 Figure 1.2. Average School Food Authority (SFA) Revenue by Source, School Year 2014-2015

Source: CRS based on USDA FNS, CRS based on USDA FNS, School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study, Final Report Volume 3: School Meal Costs
and Revenues, Office of Policy Support, April 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-nutrition-and-meal-cost-, Office of Policy Support, April 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-nutrition-and-meal-cost-
study. study.
Notes: Percentages do not add to 100% due to rounding. Percentages do not add to 100% due to rounding.
~~National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School~~
~~Breakfast Program (SBP)~~
~~NSLP and SBP (the school meals programs) provide federal support for meals served in~~
~~approximately 94,600 public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide in a~~
~~typical school year.43 They also support meals served in a smaller number of residential child care~~
~~institutions.44 Schools receive federal aid in the form of cash reimbursements for every meal they~~

~~41 The School Nutrition Association, a trade association representing school meal operators, tracks state policies and~~
~~funding at https://schoolnutrition.org/LegislationPolicy/StateLegislationPolicyReports/.~~
42Graph reflects average revenue, and as such, the percentage breakdown may vary between school food authorities. In addition, it is possible that the distribution of school food authority revenue has changed since school year 2014-2015. Spending Trends Federal spending on child nutrition programs has generally increased over time (see Figure 3; Appendix Table B-1 includes both nominal and inflation-adjusted amounts). There are several reasons for this increase, including annual inflation adjustments to per-meal reimbursement rates, 48 School meal state policy trackers include Food Research and Action Center, “School Meals Legislation and Funding by State,” updated July 2023, https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/School-Meals-State-Legislation-Chart.pdf and School Nutrition Association, “Quarterly State Legislative Reports,” https://schoolnutrition.org/LegislationPolicy/StateLegislationPolicyReports. For a list of states that adopted state funding for universal free meals as of August 2023, see Leah Butz, “States that Have Passed Universal Free School Meals (So Far),” Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center, August 29, 2023, https://www.nycfoodpolicy.org/states-that-have-passed-universal-free-school-meals. 49 USDA-FNS, USDA-FNS, School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study, Final Report Volume 3: School Meal Costs and Revenues, ,
Office of Policy Support, April 2019, p. 43, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-nutrition-and-meal-cost-study. Office of Policy Support, April 2019, p. 43, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-nutrition-and-meal-cost-study.
~~43 Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as of fall 2019, close to 94,600 schools participated in NSLP and nearly 88,200~~
~~schools participated in SBP (with substantial overlap), according to USDA-FNS, “September 2020 Keydata Report,”~~
~~January 27, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/september-2020-keydata-report. This includes nearly 4,600 private~~
~~schools participating in NSLP and 2,800 private schools participating in SBP, according to CRS communication with~~
~~USDA-FNS on March 22, 2021.~~
~~44 In fall 2019, approximately 2,400 residential child care institutions (RCCIs) participated in NSLP (ibid). This report~~
~~refers to “schools,” but it should be understood that for NSLP and SBP, it means both schools and RCCIs. RCCIs are~~
~~defined as follows in school meal program regulations: “The term ‘residential child care institutions’ includes, but is~~
~~not limited to: homes for the mentally, emotionally or physically impaired, and unmarried mothers and their infants;~~
~~group homes; halfway houses; orphanages; temporary shelters for abused children and for runaway children; long-term~~
~~care facilities for chronically ill children; and juvenile detention centers. A long-term care facility is a hospital, skilled~~
~~nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or distinct part thereof, which is intended for the care of children confined~~
~~for 30 days or more.” (7 C.F.R. §210.2). Nonresidential child care centers are eligible to participate in CACFP.~~
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Congressional Research Service 11 link to page 10 link to page 18 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding a relative increase in free school meal participation compared to other meal categories, and recent spending under pandemic response policies.50 A recent exception to this trend occurred in FY2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participation in programs declined as institutions closed, decreasing spending. By FY2021, an increase in summer meal program participation again increased spending (pandemic policies are discussed in the “Child Nutrition Program Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic” section). Under current law, the Congressional Budget Office predicts that federal spending on the child nutrition programs will continue to increase over the next decade, with annual outlays of more than $50 billion by 2032 as a result of food price inflation and other factors.51 As shown in Figure 3, federal spending on the major child nutrition programs reached $34 billion in FY2022 based on preliminary data. When spending on other child nutrition activities is included, the total was roughly $38 billion.52 Figure 3. Expenditures on Selected Child Nutrition Programs, 1992-2022 (Actual) (figure is interactive in the HTML version of this report) Source: USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Tables: NSLP, SBP and SMP—Program Costs—Cash and Commodities; Child and Adult Care Food—Participation, Meals and Costs; and Summer Food Service—Participation, Meals and 50 The proportion of children receiving free meals has generally increased over the past three decades while the percentage of children receiving reduced-price and paid school meals has decreased since 2007 in NSLP and stayed relatively constant in SBP. For more information, see CRS Report R46888, Amending Eligibility Rules for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals: Background and Policy Options. 51 Congressional Budget Office (CBO), “Baseline Projections: Child Nutrition Programs,” May 2023, https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2023-05/51293-2023-05-childnutrition.pdf. Also see page 26 (§502, Increasing Access to Summer Meals for Children Through EBT and Alternative Delivery Options) of CBO, “Summary: Estimated Budgetary Effects of Divisions O Through MM of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), as Enacted on December 29, 2022,” January 12, 2023, https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2023-01/P.L. 117-328 _1-12-23.pdf. 52 USDA-FNS, “2024 USDA Explanatory Notes–Food and Nutrition Service,” p. 35-16, https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2024-FNS.pdf. Congressional Research Service 12 link to page 48 link to page 46 link to page 46 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding Costs: National Level Annual Summary Tables: FY 1969-2022,” October 13, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/child-nutrition-tables. Notes: NSLP category includes entitlement and bonus commodities and spending on the Seamless Summer Option. Figure does not show all child nutrition program spending (e.g., it excludes FFVP, state administrative expenses, and discretionary grants). FY2022 data are preliminary. National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) NSLP and SBP (the school meals programs) provide federal support for meals served in roughly 90,000 public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide.53 They also support meals served in a smaller number of residential child care institutions.54 Schools receive federal aid in the form of cash reimbursements for every meal they serve that meets federal nutritional requirements (limited to one breakfast and lunch per child serve that meets federal nutritional requirements (limited to one breakfast and lunch per child
daily). The largest subsidies are provided for free and reduced-price meals served to eligible daily). The largest subsidies are provided for free and reduced-price meals served to eligible
students based on income eligibility and categorical eligibility rules (discussed below). Schools students based on income eligibility and categorical eligibility rules (discussed below). Schools
also receive a certain amount of commodity assistance per lunch served (discussed previously). also receive a certain amount of commodity assistance per lunch served (discussed previously).
Schools participating in NSLP have the option of providing afterschool snacks through the Schools participating in NSLP have the option of providing afterschool snacks through the
program, and schools participating in NSLP or SBP have the option of providing summer meals program, and schools participating in NSLP or SBP have the option of providing summer meals
and snacks through the Seamless Summer Option (discussed in the and snacks through the Seamless Summer Option (discussed in the “After-School Meals and
Snacks” and and “Seamless Summer Option” sections). sections).
Schools are not required by federal law to participate in NSLP or SBP; however, some states Schools are not required by federal law to participate in NSLP or SBP; however, some states
require schools to have a school lunch and/or breakfast program, and some require schools to require schools to have a school lunch and/or breakfast program, and some require schools to
operate such programs through NSLP and/or SBP. Some states also provide state funding for the operate such programs through NSLP and/or SBP. Some states also provide state funding for the
school meals programs, including school meals programs, including ~~two states—California and Maine—~~nine states (as of the cover date of this report) that have authorized that have authorized
funding to provide free meals to all studentsfunding to provide free meals to all students ~~starting in school year 2022-2023.45~~.55 Schools that do Schools that do
not participate in the federal school meals programs may still operate locally funded meal not participate in the federal school meals programs may still operate locally funded meal
~~programs.46~~
~~The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA; P.L. 111-296) made several changes to the~~
~~school meals programs. Among those changes was a requirement that USDA update the nutrition~~
~~standards for school meals and create new nutritional requirements for foods sold in NSLP and~~
~~SBP schools within a certain timeframe. The law also created the Community Eligibility~~
~~Provision, through which eligible schools can provide free meals to all students. These changes~~
~~are discussed further within this section.~~
~~NSLP and SBP are two separate programs, and schools can choose to operate one and not the~~
~~other.47 The programs are discussed together in this report because they share many of the same~~
~~requirements. Differences between the programs are noted where applicable.~~
~~This section discusses topics specific to the school meals programs. Other food service topics~~
~~relevant to child nutrition programs more broadly (e.g., the farm to school program) are discussed~~
~~in the “Other Child Nutrition Activities” section.~~
Figure 2 displays average daily meals served through NSLP and SBP in participating schools in
~~fall 2019 (pre-pandemic) and fall 2021 (under pandemic response policies). Participation in SBP~~
~~tends to be lower than in NSLP for several reasons, including the traditionally required early~~
~~arrival by students in order to receive a meal before school starts.~~

~~45 The School Nutrition Association, a trade association representing school meal operators, tracks state policies and~~
~~funding at https://schoolnutrition.org/LegislationPolicy/StateLegislationPolicyReports/. State of California, “2021-22~~
~~State Budget: Entire Education Budget,” http://www.ebudget.ca.gov/budget/2021-22EN/#/Agency/6010, accessed~~
~~August 9, 2021; and H.P. 156 - L.D. 221 (130th Maine Legislature), http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/~~
~~display_ps.asp?ld=221&PID=1456&snum=130.~~
~~46 There is limited research on schools that opt out of the federal school meals programs. An older (1993) GAO~~
~~analysis found that smaller and wealthier schools were more likely to drop out of NSLP. GAO found that common~~
~~reasons for departure included financial considerations and compliance with federal nutrition standards. See GAO,~~
Schools That Left the National School Lunch Program, December 1993, https://www.gao.gov/assets/80/78774.pdf.
~~47 USDA estimated that 94% of schools operating NSLP also operated SBP in FY2020 prior to the COVID-19~~
~~pandemic (USDA-FNS, “2023 USDA Explanatory Notes – Food and Nutrition Service,” p. 35-14,~~
~~https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2023-FNS.pdf).~~
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~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~Figure 2. NSLP and SBP Average Daily Meals Served, Fall 2019 vs. Fall 2021~~

Source: CRS calculations based on USDA-FNS, “January 2022 Keydata Report,” April 13, 2022,
~~https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/keydata-report and USDA-FNS, “September 2020 Keydata Report,” January 27,~~
~~2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/september-2020-keydata-report.~~
Notes: Fal 2021 data are preliminary and reflect COVID-19 pandemic response policies, under which schools
~~had the option to serve meals for free to all students through the Seamless Summer Option. Fall 2019 data may~~
~~underestimate free meal receipt, as children in Community Eligibility Provision schools were counted in the~~
~~“paid” and “free” categories due to the reimbursement model even though all children in such schools receive~~
~~free meals~~programs.56 53 As of fall 2022, 93,427 schools participated in NSLP and 89,718 schools participated in SBP (with substantial overlap), according to USDA-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/June-2023-keydata-report. This includes private schools. In FY2022, nearly 4,500 private schools participated in NSLP and 3,000 private schools participated in SBP, according to CRS communication with USDA-FNS in November 2023. 54 In fall 2022, more than 1,800 residential child care institutions (RCCIs) participated in NSLP and SBP (ibid). This report refers to “schools,” but it should be understood that for NSLP and SBP, it means both schools and RCCIs. RCCIs are defined as follows in school meal program regulations: “The term ‘residential child care institutions’ includes, but is not limited to: homes for the mentally, emotionally or physically impaired, and unmarried mothers and their infants; group homes; halfway houses; orphanages; temporary shelters for abused children and for runaway children; long-term care facilities for chronically ill children; and juvenile detention centers. A long-term care facility is a hospital, skilled nursing facility, intermediate care facility, or distinct part thereof, which is intended for the care of children confined for 30 days or more.” (7 C.F.R. §210.2). Nonresidential child care centers are eligible to participate in CACFP. 55 School meal state policy trackers include Food Research and Action Center, “School Meals Legislation and Funding by State,” updated July 2023, https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/School-Meals-State-Legislation-Chart.pdf and School Nutrition Association, “Quarterly State Legislative Reports,” https://schoolnutrition.org/LegislationPolicy/StateLegislationPolicyReports. For a list of states that adopted state funding for universal free meals as of August 2023, see Leah Butz, “States that Have Passed Universal Free School Meals (So Far),” Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center, August 29, 2023, https://www.nycfoodpolicy.org/states-that-have-passed-universal-free-school-meals. 56 There is limited research on schools that opt out of the federal school meals programs. An older (1993) GAO (continued...) Congressional Research Service 13 link to page 51 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA; P.L. 111-296) made several changes to the school meals programs. Among those changes was a requirement that USDA update the nutrition standards for school meals and create new nutritional requirements for foods sold in NSLP and SBP schools within a certain timeframe. The law also created the Community Eligibility Provision, through which eligible schools can provide free meals to all students. These changes are discussed further within this section. NSLP and SBP are two separate programs, and schools can choose to operate one and not the other.57 The programs are discussed together in this report because they share many of the same requirements. Differences between the programs are noted where applicable. Participation in SBP tends to be lower than in NSLP for several reasons, including the traditionally required early arrival by students in order to receive a meal before school starts. This section discusses topics specific to the school meals programs. Other food service topics relevant to child nutrition programs more broadly (e.g., the farm to school program) are discussed in the “Other Child Nutrition Activities” section. .
Administration
Locally, the school meals programs are usually administered by school districts. Statute and Locally, the school meals programs are usually administered by school districts. Statute and
regulations designate regulations designate school food authorities as the local authorities in charge of operating the as the local authorities in charge of operating the
school meal programs; typically, these are food service departments within school districts.school meal programs; typically, these are food service departments within school districts.4858
Local educational agencies—the broader school district or school board—also play a role in Local educational agencies—the broader school district or school board—also play a role in
administering the school meal programs.administering the school meal programs.4959 This report sometimes uses the term This report sometimes uses the term school district to to
refer informally to the local administrative entities in the school meals programs. refer informally to the local administrative entities in the school meals programs.
In general, school food authorities handle food service operations and accounting responsibilities, In general, school food authorities handle food service operations and accounting responsibilities,
such as food procurement, preparation, and service and tracking meals for reimbursement, while such as food procurement, preparation, and service and tracking meals for reimbursement, while
local educational agencies handle administrative duties, such as processing applications and local educational agencies handle administrative duties, such as processing applications and
certifying children for free and reduced-price school meals. certifying children for free and reduced-price school meals.
At the state level, the school meals programs are most often administered by state departments of At the state level, the school meals programs are most often administered by state departments of
education.education.5060 State administrative agencies are responsible for distributing federal reimbursements State administrative agencies are responsible for distributing federal reimbursements

~~48 See definitions of~~to school food school food ~~authority and local educational agencies at 7 C.F.R. §210.2 and 7 C.F.R. §220.2.~~
~~49 Ibid.~~
~~50 For a list of state administrative agencies, see USDA FNS, “Contact Map,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts/~~
~~contact-map.~~
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~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~to school food authorities and overseeing school districts’ administration of the school meal~~
~~programs, including by conducting administrative reviews of school districts.51~~
~~At the federal level, FNS provides ongoing guidance and technical assistance to state agencies~~
~~and school food authorities through seven regional offices. FNS also provides oversight of state~~
~~agencies, including by conducting management evaluations.52~~
Figure 3 from the U.S. Government Accountability Office depicts the federal, state, and local
~~roles in administering the school meals programs.~~
~~Figure 3. Federal, State, and Local Roles in the School Meals Programs~~

Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), ~~USDA Has Reported Taking Some Steps to Reduce~~
~~Improper Payments but Should Comprehensively Assess Fraud Risks, GAO-19-389, May 2019, p. 4.~~

51authorities and overseeing school districts’ administration of the school meal programs, including by conducting administrative reviews of school districts.61 analysis found that smaller and wealthier schools were more likely to drop out of NSLP. GAO found that common reasons for departure included financial considerations and compliance with federal nutrition standards. See GAO, Schools That Left the National School Lunch Program, December 1993, https://www.gao.gov/assets/80/78774.pdf. 57 USDA estimated that 94% of schools operating NSLP also operated SBP in FY2020 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (USDA-FNS, “2023 USDA Explanatory Notes–Food and Nutrition Service,” p. 35-14, https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2023-FNS.pdf). 58 See definitions of school food authority and local educational agencies at 7 C.F.R. §210.2 and 7 C.F.R. §220.2. 59 Ibid. 60 For a list of state administrative agencies, see USDA FNS, “Contact Map,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts/contact-map. 61 Section 22(b)(1)(C)(i) of the NLSA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1769c(b)(1)(C)(i)). HHFKA required states to “conduct Section 22(b)(1)(C)(i) of the NLSA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1769c(b)(1)(C)(i)). HHFKA required states to “conduct
audits and reviews during a three-year cycle or other period prescribed by the Secretary.” Regulations require reviews audits and reviews during a three-year cycle or other period prescribed by the Secretary.” Regulations require reviews
once every three years, with the potential for a one-year extension (a four-year cycle) (7 C.F.R. §210.18(c)). On once every three years, with the potential for a one-year extension (a four-year cycle) (7 C.F.R. §210.18(c)). On
February 22, 2019, USDA published a policy memorandum (SP 12-2019, February 22, 2019, USDA published a policy memorandum (SP 12-2019, Flexibility for the Administrative Review
Cycle Requirement, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/flexibility-administrative-review-cycle-requirement) that , https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/flexibility-administrative-review-cycle-requirement) that
allows state agencies to request a waiver to extend the review cycle for up to two additional years (a five-year cycle). allows state agencies to request a waiver to extend the review cycle for up to two additional years (a five-year cycle).
~~52 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO),~~ ~~USDA Has Reported Taking Some Steps to Reduce Improper~~
~~Payments but Should Comprehensively Assess Fraud Risks,~~ ~~GAO-19-389, May 2019, p. 7.~~
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Congressional Research Service 14 link to page 21 link to page 22 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding At the federal level, FNS provides ongoing guidance and technical assistance to state agencies and school food authorities through seven regional offices. FNS also provides oversight of state agencies, including by conducting management evaluations.62 Figure 4 depicts the federal, state, and local roles in administering the school meals programs. Figure 4. Federal, State, and Local Roles in the School Meals Programs Source: CRS, based on current law and regulations. Eligibility and Reimbursement
The school meals programs do not exclusively serve low-income children. Any student in an The school meals programs do not exclusively serve low-income children. Any student in an
NSLP or SBP participating school may purchase a school meal; however, children must meet NSLP or SBP participating school may purchase a school meal; however, children must meet
program eligibility rules in order to receive a free or reduced-price meal. program eligibility rules in order to receive a free or reduced-price meal.
In most schools (excluding schools that participate in the Community Eligibility Provision or In most schools (excluding schools that participate in the Community Eligibility Provision or
other special options), children are certified for free or reduced-price school meals through one of other special options), children are certified for free or reduced-price school meals through one of
two pathways: (1) income eligibility for two pathways: (1) income eligibility for free and reduced-price meals (information typically meals (information typically
collected via household application) and (2) categorical eligibility for collected via household application) and (2) categorical eligibility for free meals (information meals (information
collected via household application or direct certification). Each year, schools must verify a collected via household application or direct certification). Each year, schools must verify a
sample of household applications for accuracy. The pathways through which children are certified sample of household applications for accuracy. The pathways through which children are certified
for free or reduced-price school meals are shown ifor free or reduced-price school meals are shown in Figure 45.
If children are certified for free meals, the school food authority receives the free meal If children are certified for free meals, the school food authority receives the free meal
reimbursement for those meals. If children are certified for reduced-price meals, the school food reimbursement for those meals. If children are certified for reduced-price meals, the school food
authority receives a slightly lower reimbursement. School food authorities also receive a much authority receives a slightly lower reimbursement. School food authorities also receive a much
smaller paid-rate reimbursement for meals served to children who pay for “full price” meals. smaller paid-rate reimbursement for meals served to children who pay for “full price” meals.
School food authorities must follow federal guidelines in setting the price of paid meals.School food authorities must follow federal guidelines in setting the price of paid meals.53
~~Certain schools follow different eligibility and reimbursement procedures because they~~
~~participate in the Community Eligibility Provision or other special options (discussed below in~~
~~the “Special Options” section).~~

5363 62 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), USDA Has Reported Taking Some Steps to Reduce Improper Payments but Should Comprehensively Assess Fraud Risks, GAO-19-389, May 2019, p. 7. 63 The HHFKA set requirements around the price of paid meals, amending Section 12(p) of the NSLA (codified at 42 The HHFKA set requirements around the price of paid meals, amending Section 12(p) of the NSLA (codified at 42
U.S.C. §1760(p)). However, appropriations laws in FY2018 and FY2019 waived these requirements for many schools. U.S.C. §1760(p)). However, appropriations laws in FY2018 and FY2019 waived these requirements for many schools.
For more information, see CRS Report R45486, For more information, see CRS Report R45486, Child Nutrition Programs: Issues in the 115th Congress, and USDA-, and USDA-
FNS, “Paid Lunch Equity: Guidance for SY 2020-21,” January 22, 2020, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/paid-lunch-FNS, “Paid Lunch Equity: Guidance for SY 2020-21,” January 22, 2020, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/paid-lunch-
equity-guidance-school-year-2020-21. equity-guidance-school-year-2020-21.
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Certain schools follow different eligibility and reimbursement procedures because they participate in the Community Eligibility Provision or other special options (discussed below in the “Special Options” section). Figure 5~~Figure 4~~. Certification Pathways for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals
Household Application and Direct Certification Processes Household Application and Direct Certification Processes

Source: CRS adaptation of figure from U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), CRS adaptation of figure from U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), School Meals Programs:
USDA Has Enhanced Controls, but Additional Verification Could Help Ensure Legitimate Program Access, GAO-14-262, , GAO-14-262,
May 2014, p. 13. May 2014, p. 13.
Notes: FPG = federal poverty guidelines; SNAP = Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Graphic does FPG = federal poverty guidelines; SNAP = Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Graphic does
not depict direct certification of children for reduced-price meals through Medicaid in demonstration states or not depict direct certification of children for reduced-price meals through Medicaid in demonstration states or
practices used in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools and other practices used in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools and other ~~school~~schools using special options. using special options.
Income Eligibility
Children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if their household’s income falls within the Children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if their household’s income falls within the
following ranges: following ranges:
• Free meals: household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty
guidelines. guidelines.54
64 • Reduced-price meals (charges of no more than 40 cents per lunch and 30 cents (charges of no more than 40 cents per lunch and 30 cents
per breakfast): household income above 130% and less than or equal to 185% of per breakfast): household income above 130% and less than or equal to 185% of
the federal poverty guidelines.the federal poverty guidelines.55
~~These thresholds are based on the annual federal poverty guidelines established by the U.S.~~
~~Department of Health and Human Services, and are updated annually for inflation. FNS publishes~~
~~the corresponding income limits by household size for free and reduced-price meals in the~~

5465 64 For the purposes of school meal eligibility, household is defined as “a group of related or nonrelated individuals, who For the purposes of school meal eligibility, household is defined as “a group of related or nonrelated individuals, who
are not residents of an institution or boarding house, but who are living as one economic unit” (7 C.F.R. §245.2). are not residents of an institution or boarding house, but who are living as one economic unit” (7 C.F.R. §245.2).
5565 Section 9(b)(1) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1758(b)(1). Section 9(b)(1) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1758(b)(1).
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These thresholds are based on the annual federal poverty guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and are updated annually for inflation. FNS publishes the corresponding income limits by household size for free and reduced-price meals in the Federal Register on an annual basis.66 Table 3~~Federal Register~~ ~~on an annual basis.56~~ ~~Table 4~~ provides an example of the income limits for free provides an example of the income limits for free
and reduced-price meals for a household of four. and reduced-price meals for a household of four.
To become income eligible for school meals, a parent or guardian must complete a paper or To become income eligible for school meals, a parent or guardian must complete a paper or
online application that includes the income of each household member, the household size, and online application that includes the income of each household member, the household size, and
other information.other information.5767 Household income is defined as total gross income (before taxes or Household income is defined as total gross income (before taxes or
deductions), including earnings and wages, certain public assistance benefits (such as deductions), including earnings and wages, certain public assistance benefits (such as
unemployment compensation, social security benefits, and child support payments), and unemployment compensation, social security benefits, and child support payments), and
retirement and pension income.retirement and pension income.5868 Households are asked to provide current weekly, biweekly, Households are asked to provide current weekly, biweekly,
twice monthly, or monthly income, which school district officials compare to the federal poverty twice monthly, or monthly income, which school district officials compare to the federal poverty
guidelines to determine eligibility for free meals, reduced-price meals, or neither.guidelines to determine eligibility for free meals, reduced-price meals, or neither.5969 Households Households
only need to fill out one application if they have multiple children in the same school district. only need to fill out one application if they have multiple children in the same school district.
Table 43. School Meals Income Eligibility Guidelines for a Household of Four
For the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia, School Year For the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia, School Year ~~2022-2023~~2023-2024
Income Eligibility
Threshold
(% of the federal
Annual Income for a
Meal Type
poverty guidelines)
Household of Four
Free Free
Less than or equal to 130% Less than or equal to 130%
Less than or equal to $ Less than or equal to $~~36,075~~39,000
Reduced-price Reduced-price
Greater than 130% and less Greater than 130% and less
Greater than $ Greater than $~~36,075~~39,000 and less and less
than or equal to 185% than or equal to 185%
than or equal to $ than or equal to $~~51,338~~55,500
Paid Paid
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
Source: USDA FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines,” USDA FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines,” 8788 Federal Register ~~8780~~8397, ,
February February ~~17, 2022~~9, 2023. .
Note: This school year is defined as July 1, This school year is defined as July 1, ~~2022~~2023, through June 30, , through June 30, ~~2023~~2024. For other years, household sizes, and . For other years, household sizes, and
guidelines for Alaskaguidelines for Alaska, and Hawaii, see USDA FNS’s website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/income- and Hawaii, see USDA FNS’s website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/income-
eligibility-guidelines. eligibility-guidelines.
~~Categorical Eligibility~~
~~As an alternative to income eligibility, children can become eligible for free school meals if they~~
~~fall into a certain category (called categorical eligibility). Per statute, children are automatically~~
~~eligible for free lunches and breakfasts (without consideration of household income) if they are~~

~~56 USDA-~~ 66 USDA FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines,” FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines,” 8588 Federal Register ~~16050, March 20,~~
~~2020.~~
578397, February 9, 2023. 67 There is a requirement that the adult household member filling out the application provide the last four digits of There is a requirement that the adult household member filling out the application provide the last four digits of
his/her Social Security number (Section 9(d)(1) of the NSLA), or, according to program regulations, indicate that they his/her Social Security number (Section 9(d)(1) of the NSLA), or, according to program regulations, indicate that they
do not have one (7 C.F.R. §245.6(a)(6)). The law does not allow for citizenship eligibility restrictions; Section 742(a) do not have one (7 C.F.R. §245.6(a)(6)). The law does not allow for citizenship eligibility restrictions; Section 742(a)
of P.L. 104-193 states that individuals who are eligible for free public education benefits under state and local law shall of P.L. 104-193 states that individuals who are eligible for free public education benefits under state and local law shall
remain eligible to receive school lunch and school breakfast benefits. remain eligible to receive school lunch and school breakfast benefits.
5868 7 C.F.R. §245.6(a)(5)(ii). Also see USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines,” 85 7 C.F.R. §245.6(a)(5)(ii). Also see USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines,” 85
Federal Register 16050, March 20, 2020, USDA-FNS, 16050, March 20, 2020, USDA-FNS, Eligibility Manual for School Meals: Determining and
Verifying Eligibility, July 2017, https://www.fns.usda.gov/eligibility-manual-school-meals, and USDA-FNS, “Applying , July 2017, https://www.fns.usda.gov/eligibility-manual-school-meals, and USDA-FNS, “Applying
for Free and Reduced Price School Meals,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/applying-free-and-reduced-price-school-for Free and Reduced Price School Meals,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/applying-free-and-reduced-price-school-
meals. meals.
5969 Ibid. Households are asked to report this income for the most recent period prior to the application, unless it does not Ibid. Households are asked to report this income for the most recent period prior to the application, unless it does not
reflect their typical income, in which case they can provide the amount of income they normally receive in a month. reflect their typical income, in which case they can provide the amount of income they normally receive in a month.
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School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding

Categorical Eligibility As an alternative to income eligibility, children can become eligible for free school meals if they fall into a certain category (called categorical eligibility). Per statute, children are automatically eligible for free lunches and breakfasts (without consideration of household income) if they are • in a household receiving benefits through the following programs: in a household receiving benefits through the following programs:
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program); SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program);
• FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, a program that FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, a program that
operates in lieu of SNAP on some Indian reservations); or operates in lieu of SNAP on some Indian reservations); or
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families); TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families);
• enrolled in Head Start; enrolled in Head Start;
• in foster care; in foster care;
• a migrant; a migrant;
• a runaway; or a runaway; or
• homeless. homeless.6070
Categorical eligibility for free meals may be determined via a household application (households Categorical eligibility for free meals may be determined via a household application (households
provide a case number on the application) or through direct certification (discussed in the next provide a case number on the application) or through direct certification (discussed in the next
section). The vast majority of categorically eligible children are certified for free meals through section). The vast majority of categorically eligible children are certified for free meals through
direct certification.direct certification.6171
Categorical eligibility for free school meals with SNAP and TANF began in the 1980s (then, the Categorical eligibility for free school meals with SNAP and TANF began in the 1980s (then, the
Food Stamp and Aid to Families with Dependent Children programs, respectively).Food Stamp and Aid to Families with Dependent Children programs, respectively).6272 Categorical Categorical
eligibility enabled schools to make use of other programs’ more in-depth certification processes eligibility enabled schools to make use of other programs’ more in-depth certification processes
and reduced the number of applications that families had to fill out.and reduced the number of applications that families had to fill out.6373 Other programs and Other programs and
categories were added over time. categories were added over time.
Direct Certification
Direct certification is a process through which state agencies and school districts automatically Direct certification is a process through which state agencies and school districts automatically
certify children for free meals based on documentation of the child’s status in a program or certify children for free meals based on documentation of the child’s status in a program or
category without the need for a household application.category without the need for a household application.6474 States are required to conduct direct 70 ~~States are required to conduct direct~~
~~certification for SNAP and have the option of conducting direct certification for the other~~
~~programs and categories that convey categorical eligibility.~~
~~For SNAP and other federal programs, the direct certification process typically involves state~~
~~agencies (e.g., state SNAP and state educational agencies) cross-checking program rolls.65 A list~~
~~of matched children is sent to the school district, which certifies children for free meals without~~

60 See Section 9(b)(12)(A) of the Russell National School Lunch Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1758(b)(12)(A)), for the See Section 9(b)(12)(A) of the Russell National School Lunch Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1758(b)(12)(A)), for the
more specific definitions of these categories. SNAP, FDPIR, and TANF have income limits, but the other qualifications more specific definitions of these categories. SNAP, FDPIR, and TANF have income limits, but the other qualifications
as defined in the statute are not limited by income. as defined in the statute are not limited by income.
6171 According to CRS calculations using USDA-FNS 742 data for According to CRS calculations using USDA-FNS 742 data for ~~school year 2019-2020, 94~~FY2022, 97.5% of categorically eligible % of categorically eligible
students were directly certified for free school meals, compared to students were directly certified for free school meals, compared to 62.5% certified by household application. % certified by household application.
6272 USDA-FNS, USDA-FNS, Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program: State Implementation Progress: Report to
Congress, December 2008, p. 3, https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/DirectCert08.pdf. December 2008, p. 3, https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/DirectCert08.pdf.
6373 See, for example, U.S. Government Accountability Office, See, for example, U.S. Government Accountability Office, School-Meals Programs: USDA Has Enhanced Controls,
but Additional Verification Could Help Ensure Legitimate Program Access, GAO-14-262, May 2014, pp. 16-19, , GAO-14-262, May 2014, pp. 16-19,
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-262. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-262.
6474 Direct certification authority is in Section 9(b)(4)-(5) of the Russell National School Lunch Act (codified at 42 Direct certification authority is in Section 9(b)(4)-(5) of the Russell National School Lunch Act (codified at 42
U.S.C. §1758(b)(4)-(5)). Direct certification is defined in NSLP/SBP program regulations at 7 C.F.R. §245.2. U.S.C. §1758(b)(4)-(5)). Direct certification is defined in NSLP/SBP program regulations at 7 C.F.R. §245.2.
~~65 USDA-FNS,~~ ~~Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program: State Implementation Progress, School~~
~~Year 2014–2015: Report to Congress, Office of Policy Support, Special Nutrition Programs Report No. CN-15-DC,~~
~~December 2016, p. xiii, https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/ops/NSLPDirectCertification2015.pdf.~~
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~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~the need for a household application.66~~Congressional Research Service 18 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding certification with SNAP and have the option of conducting direct certification with the other programs and categories that convey categorical eligibility. For SNAP and other federal programs, the direct certification process typically involves state agencies (e.g., state SNAP and state educational agencies) cross-checking program rolls.75 A list of matched children is sent to the school district, which certifies children for free meals without the need for a household application.76 For foster, homeless, migrant, and runaway children, For foster, homeless, migrant, and runaway children,
direct certification typically involves school district communication with a local or state official direct certification typically involves school district communication with a local or state official
who can provide documentation of the child’s status in one of these categories.who can provide documentation of the child’s status in one of these categories.6777
The 2004 child nutrition reauthorization act (P.L. 108-265) required states to conduct direct The 2004 child nutrition reauthorization act (P.L. 108-265) required states to conduct direct
certification with SNAP, with nationwide implementation taking effect in school year 2008-2009. certification with SNAP, with nationwide implementation taking effect in school year 2008-2009.
As of school year 2018-2019 (the most recent data available), USDA reported that 98% of As of school year 2018-2019 (the most recent data available), USDA reported that 98% of
children in SNAP households were directly certified for free school meals.children in SNAP households were directly certified for free school meals.6878
The HHFKA made further policy changes to expand direct certification. One of those changes The HHFKA made further policy changes to expand direct certification. One of those changes
was the initiation of a demonstration project to test direct certification with Medicaid (see the text was the initiation of a demonstration project to test direct certification with Medicaid (see the text
box below). The law also funded performance incentive grants for high-performing states and box below). The law also funded performance incentive grants for high-performing states and
authorized corrective action plans for low-performing states in direct certification activities.authorized corrective action plans for low-performing states in direct certification activities.6979
Direct Certification with Medicaid Demonstration
The HHFKA initiated a demonstration project to conduct direct certification of children individually participating The HHFKA initiated a demonstration project to conduct direct certification of children individually participating
in Medicaid and children in Medicaid households. Unlike the other programs used to directly certify children for in Medicaid and children in Medicaid households. Unlike the other programs used to directly certify children for
school meals, Medicaid does school meals, Medicaid does not convey categorical eligibility for free school meals, but rather identifies children in convey categorical eligibility for free school meals, but rather identifies children in
households that would meet the income eligibility thresholds for either free or reduced-price school meals.households that would meet the income eligibility thresholds for either free or reduced-price school meals.7080
Fol owing the demonstration authority in the HHFKA as well as pilot authority in the Richard B. Russell National Fol owing the demonstration authority in the HHFKA as well as pilot authority in the Richard B. Russell National
School Lunch Act, some states are currently directly certifying children based on Medicaid data.School Lunch Act, some states are currently directly certifying children based on Medicaid data.7181 As of school As of school
year year ~~2022-2023~~2023-2024, there were , there were 2738 states operating direct certification with Medicaid. states operating direct certification with Medicaid. ~~Four~~Two states used Medicaid to states used Medicaid to
directly certify children for free meals only (130% of the poverty level or below).directly certify children for free meals only (130% of the poverty level or below).~~72 Twenty-three~~82 Thirty-six states were states were
operating under an expanded direct certification demonstration project to test direct certification with Medicaid operating under an expanded direct certification demonstration project to test direct certification with Medicaid
for free and reduced-price meals (up to 185% of the poverty level).for free and reduced-price meals (up to 185% of the poverty level).73
~~FNS has published several evaluations of the demonstration projects.74 These evaluations found that in states with~~
~~available data, direct certification with Medicaid led to more children being certified through direct certification~~
~~rather than application and to some newly certified children. They also found that state administrative costs were~~
~~“modest” during start-up and declined over time.75~~

6683 75 USDA-FNS, Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program: State Implementation Progress, School Year 2014–2015: Report to Congress, Office of Policy Support, Special Nutrition Programs Report No. CN-15-DC, December 2016, p. xiii, https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/ops/NSLPDirectCertification2015.pdf. 76 However, parents and guardians are notified of the child’s enrollment in free meals and are allowed to opt-out. However, parents and guardians are notified of the child’s enrollment in free meals and are allowed to opt-out.
6777 USDA-FNS, USDA-FNS, Eligibility Manual for School Meals: Determining and Verifying Eligibility, July 2017, , July 2017,
https://www.fns.usda.gov/eligibility-manual-school-meals. https://www.fns.usda.gov/eligibility-manual-school-meals.
7078 USDA-FNS, Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program State Implementation Progress Report to Congress SY 2017-2018 and SY 2018-2019, June 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/direct-certification-national-school-lunch-program-state-implementation-progress-report. 79 See CRS Report R41354, Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization: P.L. 111-296, for further discussion of these and related policies. 80 USDA-FNS, “Request for Applications to Participate in Demonstration Projects to Evaluate Direct Certification with USDA-FNS, “Request for Applications to Participate in Demonstration Projects to Evaluate Direct Certification with
Medicaid,” January 27, 2016, https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib-02-12-16.pdf.Medicaid,” January 27, 2016, https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib-02-12-16.pdf.
71 81 Section 9(b)(15) of the NSLA (codified at 42 USC §1758(b)(15)), as added by Section 103 of P.L. 111-296; Section Section 9(b)(15) of the NSLA (codified at 42 USC §1758(b)(15)), as added by Section 103 of P.L. 111-296; Section
18(c) of the NSLA (codified at 42 USC §1769(c)). 18(c) of the NSLA (codified at 42 USC §1769(c)).
~~72 Illinois, Kentucky, New York, and Pennsylvania.~~
~~73 Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts,~~
~~Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West~~
~~Virginia, and Wisconsin. CRS communication with USDA-FNS in March 2021 and~~82 Kentucky and New York, according to CRS communication with USDA-FNS in October 2023. 83 For a list of participating states, see USDA-FNS, USDA-FNS, “National School
Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Demonstration Projects to Evaluate Direct Certification with
~~Medicaid, March 23, 2022,~~ Medicaid,” January 13, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/direct-certification-medicaid-demonstration-project. Congressional Research Service 19 link to page 27 link to page 13 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding FNS has published several evaluations of the demonstration projects.84 These evaluations found that in states with available data, direct certification with Medicaid led to more children being certified through direct certification rather than application and to some newly certified children. They also found that state administrative costs were “modest” during start-up and declined over time.85~~https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/direct-certification-medicaid-demonstration-project.~~
~~74 USDA-FNS, Office of Policy Support, Evaluation of Demonstrations of National School Lunch Program and School~~
~~Breakfast Program Direct Certification of Children Receiving Medicaid Benefits: Year 1 Report, prepared by~~
~~Mathematica Policy Research, January 2015, https://www.fns.usda.gov/evaluation-demonstrations-national-school-~~
~~lunch-program-and-school-breakfast-program-direct; USDA-FNS, Final Report: Direct Certification with Medicaid for~~
~~Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCMF/RP) Demonstration, Year 1, prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, August~~
~~2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/evaluation-direct-certification-medicaid-free-and-reduced-price-meals; USDA-~~
~~FNS, Direct Certification with Medicaid for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCM-F/RP) Demonstration, Year 2,~~
~~prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, September 2020, https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/evaluation-direct-~~
~~certification-medicaid-free-and-reduced-price-meals-dcm-frp; and USDA-FNS, Office of Policy Support,~~ ~~Direct~~
~~Certification with Medicaid for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCM-F/RP) Demonstration, School Year 2019-2020~~
~~Report, prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, March 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-dcm-frp-~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~
18

~~link to page 26 link to page 24 link to page 11~~ ~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

Verification of Eligibility
Each fall, districts are required to verify a sample of approved household applications on file, Each fall, districts are required to verify a sample of approved household applications on file,
with a focus on applications close to the eligibility threshold (“error-prone” applications).with a focus on applications close to the eligibility threshold (“error-prone” applications).7686
School districts may also conduct verification of questionable applications. Verification is not School districts may also conduct verification of questionable applications. Verification is not
required for children who are directly certified for free or reduced-price meals. (Note that districts required for children who are directly certified for free or reduced-price meals. (Note that districts
participating participating inin Provisions 1, 2, and 3 must meet verification requirements for the years in which must meet verification requirements for the years in which
they administer household applications.) they administer household applications.)
Many districts employ Many districts employ direct verification (matching data from other low-income programs) to (matching data from other low-income programs) to
conduct their verification activities, but if data cannot be verified in this way, schools must conduct their verification activities, but if data cannot be verified in this way, schools must
contact households to verify the information provided on the application. A child’s eligibility contact households to verify the information provided on the application. A child’s eligibility
status may stay the same or change (e.g., from free meals to reduced-price meals or loss of status may stay the same or change (e.g., from free meals to reduced-price meals or loss of
eligibility) as a result of verification of household income, or if the household does not respond to eligibility) as a result of verification of household income, or if the household does not respond to
verification outreach (in which case eligibility would be lost, though that decision can be verification outreach (in which case eligibility would be lost, though that decision can be
appealed). appealed).
Reimbursement
School food authorities must keep track of the daily number of meals they serve in each category School food authorities must keep track of the daily number of meals they serve in each category
(free, reduced-price, and paid) that meet federal nutrition requirements. School food authorities (free, reduced-price, and paid) that meet federal nutrition requirements. School food authorities
then submit claims for reimbursement to the state agency, which submits the claims to FNS. then submit claims for reimbursement to the state agency, which submits the claims to FNS.
Approved reimbursements are distributed to school food authorities by the state agency, usually Approved reimbursements are distributed to school food authorities by the state agency, usually
on a monthly basis. Per statute, reimbursement rates are adjusted for inflation annually.on a monthly basis. Per statute, reimbursement rates are adjusted for inflation annually.7787 Table 54
shows NSLP and SBP reimbursement rates for school year shows NSLP and SBP reimbursement rates for school year ~~2020-2021~~2023-2024. (Note that school food . (Note that school food
authorities also receive a per-lunch commodity reimbursement, discussed previously under authorities also receive a per-lunch commodity reimbursement, discussed previously under
“Commodity Assistance”.) .)

~~demonstration.~~
~~73 Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts,~~
~~Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West~~
~~Virginia, and Wisconsin. CRS communication with USDA-FNS in March 2021 and USDA-FNS,~~ ~~National School~~
~~Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Demonstration Projects to Evaluate Direct Certification with~~
~~Medicaid, March 23, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/direct-certification-medicaid-demonstration-project.~~
74 84 USDA-FNS, Office of Policy Support, Evaluation of Demonstrations of National School Lunch Program and School USDA-FNS, Office of Policy Support, Evaluation of Demonstrations of National School Lunch Program and School
Breakfast Program Direct Certification of Children Receiving Medicaid Benefits: Year 1 Report, prepared by Breakfast Program Direct Certification of Children Receiving Medicaid Benefits: Year 1 Report, prepared by
Mathematica Policy Research, January 2015, https://www.fns.usda.gov/evaluation-demonstrations-national-school-Mathematica Policy Research, January 2015, https://www.fns.usda.gov/evaluation-demonstrations-national-school-
lunch-program-and-school-breakfast-program-direct; USDA-FNS, Final Report: Direct Certification with Medicaid for lunch-program-and-school-breakfast-program-direct; USDA-FNS, Final Report: Direct Certification with Medicaid for
Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCMF/RP) Demonstration, Year 1, prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, August Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCMF/RP) Demonstration, Year 1, prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, August
2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/evaluation-direct-certification-medicaid-free-and-reduced-price-meals; USDA-2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/evaluation-direct-certification-medicaid-free-and-reduced-price-meals; USDA-
FNS, Direct Certification with Medicaid for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCM-F/RP) Demonstration, Year 2, FNS, Direct Certification with Medicaid for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCM-F/RP) Demonstration, Year 2,
prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, September 2020, https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/evaluation-direct-prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, September 2020, https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/evaluation-direct-
certification-medicaid-free-and-reduced-price-meals-dcm-frp; and USDA-FNS, Office of Policy Support, certification-medicaid-free-and-reduced-price-meals-dcm-frp; and USDA-FNS, Office of Policy Support, Direct
Certification with Medicaid for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (DCM-F/RP) Demonstration, School Year 2019-2020
Report, prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, March 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-dcm-frp-, prepared by Mathematica Policy Research, March 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-dcm-frp-
demonstration. demonstration.
7585 Ibid. Ibid.
7686 In general, local educational agencies must review the smallest of 3,000 of all applications or 3% of error-prone In general, local educational agencies must review the smallest of 3,000 of all applications or 3% of error-prone
applications. If the local educational agency has a nonresponse rate below 20% or has more than 20,000 children applications. If the local educational agency has a nonresponse rate below 20% or has more than 20,000 children
approved by application for free/reduced-price meals and a recently improved response rate, they may use alternative approved by application for free/reduced-price meals and a recently improved response rate, they may use alternative
sampling approaches. See Section 9(b)(3)(D) of the NSLA or program regulations at 7 C.F.R. Section 245.6a. sampling approaches. See Section 9(b)(3)(D) of the NSLA or program regulations at 7 C.F.R. Section 245.6a.
7787 See Section 4 and Section 11 of the NSLA for the lunch reimbursement rates and Section 4 of the Child Nutrition See Section 4 and Section 11 of the NSLA for the lunch reimbursement rates and Section 4 of the Child Nutrition
Act of 1966 for breakfast reimbursement rates. Act of 1966 for breakfast reimbursement rates.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
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School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding

The law provides a higher reimbursement rate for meals meeting certain criteria. For example, The law provides a higher reimbursement rate for meals meeting certain criteria. For example,
school food authorities that are compliant with the updated federal nutrition standards for school school food authorities that are compliant with the updated federal nutrition standards for school
meals receive an additional meals receive an additional 78 cents per lunch. cents per lunch.7888 School food authorities also receive an additional School food authorities also receive an additional
2 cents per lunch if they serve 60% or more of their lunches at a free or reduced price. For 2 cents per lunch if they serve 60% or more of their lunches at a free or reduced price. For
breakfasts, school food authorities receive higher reimbursements if they serve 40% or more breakfasts, school food authorities receive higher reimbursements if they serve 40% or more
lunches at a free or reduced price (referred to as lunches at a free or reduced price (referred to as severe need schools). schools).
Once school food authorities receive the cash reimbursements, they can use the funds to support Once school food authorities receive the cash reimbursements, they can use the funds to support
almost any aspect of the school food service operation. However, federal cash reimbursements almost any aspect of the school food service operation. However, federal cash reimbursements
must go into a nonprofit school food service account that is subject to federal regulations.must go into a nonprofit school food service account that is subject to federal regulations.7989
Payments for non-program foods (e.g., vending machine sales) must also accrue to the nonprofit Payments for non-program foods (e.g., vending machine sales) must also accrue to the nonprofit
school food service account.school food service account.8090
FNS periodically studies the costs of producing a reimbursable meal. In April 2019, FNS released FNS periodically studies the costs of producing a reimbursable meal. In April 2019, FNS released
a a School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study, which found that the average reported, which found that the average reported cost of producing cost of producing
a reimbursable lunch was $3.81 in school year 2014-2015 (reported costs were defined as those a reimbursable lunch was $3.81 in school year 2014-2015 (reported costs were defined as those
charged to the school food service account).charged to the school food service account).8191 This exceeded the average federal cash This exceeded the average federal cash
reimbursement ($3.32) for lunches in school year 2014-2015. When unreported costs were reimbursement ($3.32) for lunches in school year 2014-2015. When unreported costs were
included (costs outside of the food service account; for example, labor costs associated with included (costs outside of the food service account; for example, labor costs associated with
processing applications), the cost of producing the average reimbursable lunch was $6.02. As processing applications), the cost of producing the average reimbursable lunch was $6.02. As
noted previously, children’s payments and state and local funds may also cover meal costs. noted previously, children’s payments and state and local funds may also cover meal costs.
Table 54. Reimbursement Rates: NSLP and SBP
Per-Meal Reimbursements for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia, Per-Meal Reimbursements for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia,
School Year School Year ~~2021-2022~~2023-2024
Lunch Rate
Bonus for School Food
Bonus for SFAs Certified as
Authorities (SFAs) That Served
Compliant with Nutrition
Maximum

Base Rate
60%+ Lunches at F/RP
Standards
Rate
Free Free
$ $~~3.66~~4.25
+$0.02 +$0.02
+$0. +$0.07
~~$3.90~~08 $4.50
Reduced-price Reduced-price
$3. $3.2685
+$0.02 +$0.02
+$0. +$0.07
~~$3.59~~08 $4.10
Paid Paid
$0. $0.3540
+$0.02 +$0.02
+$0. +$0.0708
$0. $0.5056
Breakfast Rate
SFAs That Served Less Than 40% ~~of Lunches at~~

~~F/RP~~
~~SFAs That Served 40%+~~ SFAs That Served 40%+ of Lunches at F/RP Lunches at F/RP
Free Free
$ $~~1.97~~2.28
$2. $2.3573
Reduced-price Reduced-price
$1. $1.6798
$2. $2.0543
Paid Paid
$0. $0.3338
$0. $0.33

7838 88 The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-296) provided an additional 6 cents per-lunch reimbursement The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-296) provided an additional 6 cents per-lunch reimbursement
(adjusted annually for inflation) to schools meeting the updated nutritional guidelines requirements. (adjusted annually for inflation) to schools meeting the updated nutritional guidelines requirements. ~~The inflation-~~
~~adjusted rate for school year 2021-2022 is 7 cents (~~USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School
Breakfast Programs, National Average Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates,” July Breakfast Programs, National Average Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates,” July ~~16, 2021, 86~~7, 2023, 88 Federal Register
~~37733).~~
~~79 7 C.F.R. §210.14.~~
8043266 (separately lists rates for Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). 89 7 C.F.R. §210.14. 90 Section 12(p) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1760(q)). Section 12(p) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1760(q)).
8191 USDA-FNS, USDA-FNS, School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study, Final Report Volume 3: School Meal Costs and Revenues,
Office of Policy Support, April 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-nutrition-and-meal-cost-study. Office of Policy Support, April 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-nutrition-and-meal-cost-study.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
20

21 link to page 29 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding

~~Source~~Sources: USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs, National Average USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs, National Average
Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates,” July Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates,” July ~~16, 2021, 86~~7, 2023, 88 Federal Register ~~37733~~43266 (separately lists rates for (separately lists rates for
Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). For historical rates, see Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). For historical rates, see
https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/rates-reimbursement. https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/rates-reimbursement.
Notes: F/RP = free or reduced-price. The percentage of lunches/breakfasts served at F/RP is based on the F/RP = free or reduced-price. The percentage of lunches/breakfasts served at F/RP is based on the
percentage of meals served two school years prior. The federal per-meal reimbursement rates are averages. percentage of meals served two school years prior. The federal per-meal reimbursement rates are averages.
States can apportion funds among school food authorities above or below the average rates; however, in NSLP States can apportion funds among school food authorities above or below the average rates; however, in NSLP
they can only do so up to the maximum rate. States may also supplement federal reimbursements with state they can only do so up to the maximum rate. States may also supplement federal reimbursements with state
funding. funding.
Special Options
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
The HHFKA authorized the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), an option that allows The HHFKA authorized the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), an option that allows
eligible schools, groups of schools, and school districts to offer free meals to all enrolled eligible schools, groups of schools, and school districts to offer free meals to all enrolled
students.students.8292 To participate in CEP, the school(s) must have an identified student percentage (ISP) To participate in CEP, the school(s) must have an identified student percentage (ISP)
of at least of at least ~~40%.~~25% (USDA lowered the eligibility threshold from 40% to 25% as of school year 2023-2024).93 The ISP is the percentage of students in the school(s) who are certified for free The ISP is the percentage of students in the school(s) who are certified for free
meals without a household application (i.e., who are directly certified for free meals through meals without a household application (i.e., who are directly certified for free meals through
SNAP or another program/category).SNAP or another program/category).8394 In addition, the school(s) must operate both NSLP and In addition, the school(s) must operate both NSLP and
SBP in order to participate in CEP, and they must opt-in to CEP. SBP in order to participate in CEP, and they must opt-in to CEP.
Based on the statutory parameters, FNS piloted CEP in various states over three school years, and Based on the statutory parameters, FNS piloted CEP in various states over three school years, and
expanded the option nationwide in school year 2014-2015. Eligible schools, groups of schools, expanded the option nationwide in school year 2014-2015. Eligible schools, groups of schools,
and entire school districts may participate; if participation is as a group, the ISP is calculated on a and entire school districts may participate; if participation is as a group, the ISP is calculated on a
group basis. Local educational agencies have until June 30 of each year to notify USDA of the group basis. Local educational agencies have until June 30 of each year to notify USDA of the
schools in their jurisdiction that will participate in CEP.schools in their jurisdiction that will participate in CEP.8495 According to a database maintained by According to a database maintained by
the Food Research and Action Center, approximately the Food Research and Action Center, approximately ~~33,170 schools were approved to participate~~
40,235 schools participated in CEP in school year in CEP in school year ~~2020-2021~~2022-2023, up from , up from ~~18,220~~30,620 schools in school year 2019-2020.96 Figure 6 displays the estimated proportion of CEP schools out of all NSLP schools since school year 2014-2015 (the first year of nationwide implementation). 92 ~~schools in school year 2015-2016.85~~
~~Though CEP schools serve free meals to all students, they are not reimbursed at the free rate for~~
~~every meal served. Instead, the law provides a funding formula: the ISP is multiplied by a factor~~
~~of 1.6 to estimate the proportion of students who would be eligible for free or reduced-price~~
~~meals had they been certified via application.86 The result is the percentage of meals served that~~
~~will be reimbursed at the free-meal rate, with the remainder reimbursed at the much lower paid-~~

82 For further detail on CEP, see CRS Report R46371, For further detail on CEP, see CRS Report R46371, Serving Free School Meals through the Community Eligibility
Provision (CEP): Background and Participation. .
8393 USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Community Eligibility Provision-Increasing Options for Schools,” 88 Federal Register 65778, September 26, 2023. 94 A school’s number of identified students is essentially the same as its number of directly certified students, except A school’s number of identified students is essentially the same as its number of directly certified students, except
that the number of identified students does not include students who are directly certified for reduced-pricethat the number of identified students does not include students who are directly certified for reduced-price meals meals
through the Medicaid demonstration. For the definition of “identified students” in regulations, see 7 C.F.R. through the Medicaid demonstration. For the definition of “identified students” in regulations, see 7 C.F.R.
§245.9(f)(1)(ii). §245.9(f)(1)(ii).
8495 7 CFR §245.9(f)(4); USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Eliminating 7 CFR §245.9(f)(4); USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Eliminating
Applications through Community Eligibility as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,” 81 Applications through Community Eligibility as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,” 81 Federal
Register 50194, July 29, 2016. 50194, July 29, 2016.
8596 Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), “Community Eligibility Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), “Community Eligibility ~~(CEP) Database,” March 17, 2022,~~
~~https://frac.org/research/resource-library/community-eligibility-cep-database. Under COVID-19 pandemic response~~
~~policies, many schools approved to operate CEP in the 2020-2021 school year offered free meals to all students through~~
~~the Seamless Summer Option instead.~~
~~86 Statute allows USDA to set the reimbursement multiplier between 1.3 and 1.6; USDA has set the multiplier at 1.6.~~
~~USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Eliminating Applications Through~~
~~Community Eligibility as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,” 81 Federal Register 50194, July~~
~~29, 2016, p. 50201.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~
21

~~link to page 26~~

~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

: The Key to Hunger-Free Schools, School Year 2022–2023,” May 2023, https://frac.org/cep-report-2023. Congressional Research Service 22 link to page 10 link to page 10 link to page 30 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding Figure 6. CEP Schools as a Proportion of NSLP Schools, SY2014-2015 to SY2022-2023 Sources: CRS estimates applying the number of CEP schools from FRAC, “Community Eligibility: The Key to Hunger-Free Schools, School Year 2022–2023,” May 2023, https://frac.org/cep-report-2023 to the number of NSLP schools from USDA-FNS Keydata Reports (USDA-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/June-2023-keydata-report; USDA-FNS, “September 2022 Keydata Report,” December 9, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/september-2022-keydata-report; and USDA-FNS, “September 2021 Keydata Report,” December 10, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/september-2021-keydata-report). Notes: In school years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, the vast majority of schools operated under pandemic policies that enabled them to receive reimbursement for free meals served to all students. Therefore, CEP participation in these years is not relevant. In addition, NSLP participation is lower in school year 2020-2021 than a typical year because many school food authorities chose to operate the summer meals programs instead of NSLP as a result of pandemic response policies (discussed in the “Child Nutrition Program Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic” section). Though CEP schools serve free meals to all students, they are not reimbursed at the free rate for every meal served. Instead, the law provides a funding formula: the ISP is multiplied by a factor of 1.6 to estimate the proportion of students who would be eligible for free or reduced-price meals had they been certified via application.97 The result is the percentage of meals served that will be reimbursed at the free-meal rate, with the remainder reimbursed at the much lower paid-meal rate. For example, if a CEP school has an ISP of 40%, then 64% of its meals served would meal rate. For example, if a CEP school has an ISP of 40%, then 64% of its meals served would
be reimbursed at the free-meal rate and 36% would be reimbursed at the paid-meal rate. Schools be reimbursed at the free-meal rate and 36% would be reimbursed at the paid-meal rate. Schools
that identify 62.5% or more students as eligible for free meals receive the free-meal that identify 62.5% or more students as eligible for free meals receive the free-meal
reimbursement for all meals served (62.5% multiplied by 1.6 equals 100%).reimbursement for all meals served (62.5% multiplied by 1.6 equals 100%). Figure 57 provides a provides a
visual representation of the CEP reimbursement formulavisual representation of the CEP reimbursement formula. for participating schools, groups of schools, and school districts. 97 Statute allows USDA to set the reimbursement multiplier between 1.3 and 1.6; USDA has set the multiplier at 1.6. USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Eliminating Applications Through Community Eligibility as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,” 81 Federal Register 50194, July 29, 2016, p. 50201. Congressional Research Service 23 link to page 27 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding
CEP participating schools must recalculate their ISP at least once every four years, but they can CEP participating schools must recalculate their ISP at least once every four years, but they can
choose to do so more frequently if desired.choose to do so more frequently if desired.8798 While eligibility determinations occur every four While eligibility determinations occur every four
years, schools can drop out of CEP at any time.years, schools can drop out of CEP at any time.8899
CEP is intended to reduce paperwork for families and schools and enable schools to provide more CEP is intended to reduce paperwork for families and schools and enable schools to provide more
free meals. However, the option may or may not be financially beneficial for schools depending free meals. However, the option may or may not be financially beneficial for schools depending
on their proportion of identified students.on their proportion of identified students.
Figure 57. Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Reimbursement Formula

Source: Graphic created by CRS based on current law. Graphic created by CRS based on current law.
Notes: The Identified Student Percentage (ISP) is the percentage of enrol ed children who are certified for free The Identified Student Percentage (ISP) is the percentage of enrol ed children who are certified for free
meals without a household application. The ISP is multiplied by 1.6 to calculate the proportion of meals meals without a household application. The ISP is multiplied by 1.6 to calculate the proportion of meals
reimbursed at the free rate; the remainder of meals are reimbursed at the lower paid ratereimbursed at the free rate; the remainder of meals are reimbursed at the lower paid rate. For free and paid reimbursement rates in school year 2023-2024, see Table 4. .
Provisions 1, 2, and 3
Schools, groups of schools, and school districts can also use Provisions 1, 2, and 3 to establish Schools, groups of schools, and school districts can also use Provisions 1, 2, and 3 to establish
alternative certification and reimbursement procedures. These options are intended to reduce alternative certification and reimbursement procedures. These options are intended to reduce
paperwork for school administrators and families.paperwork for school administrators and families.89100 The options predate CEP, and unlike CEP, The options predate CEP, and unlike CEP,
they still require some household applications. A school’s decision to participate in a special they still require some household applications. A school’s decision to participate in a special
option may depend on financial considerations. There were approximately option may depend on financial considerations. There were approximately ~~3,900 schools~~

~~87 7 C.F.R. §245.9(f).~~
~~88 7 C.F.R. §245.9(j).~~
891,500 schools operating Provisions 1, 2, or 3 in FY2022.101 Provision 1 allows schools with high proportions (80% or more) of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals to make free meal eligibility determinations that remain in effect for two 98 7 C.F.R. §245.9(f). 99 7 C.F.R. §245.9(j). 100 USDA-FNS, “Provisions 1, 2, and 3,” May 6, 2014, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/provisions-1-2-and-3. USDA-FNS, “Provisions 1, 2, and 3,” May 6, 2014, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/provisions-1-2-and-3.
101 CRS calculations using preliminary USDA-FNS 742 data for FY2022. Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
22 24

School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding

~~operating Provisions 1, 2, or 3 in school year 2019-2020, most of which operated Provisions 2 or~~
~~3.90~~
Provision 1 allows schools with high proportions (80% or more) of students eligible for free and
~~reduced-price meals to make free meal eligibility determinations that remain in effect for two~~
school years. This reduces the number of applications they have to process (though they still have school years. This reduces the number of applications they have to process (though they still have
to process reduced-price meal applications annually).to process reduced-price meal applications annually).91102
Provision 2 and and Provision 3 are open to all schools. Similar to CEP, schools, groups of schools, are open to all schools. Similar to CEP, schools, groups of schools,
or school districts must agree to provide free meals (lunches or school districts must agree to provide free meals (lunches or lunches/breakfasts) to all students lunches/breakfasts) to all students
in order to participate in Provision 2 or Provision 3. Under Provision 2, schools are reimbursed in order to participate in Provision 2 or Provision 3. Under Provision 2, schools are reimbursed
over a four-year period using the proportion of meals served at a free/reduced-price/paid rate over a four-year period using the proportion of meals served at a free/reduced-price/paid rate
during the first year. Eligibility determinations in the first year are based on direct certification during the first year. Eligibility determinations in the first year are based on direct certification
and household applications (a difference from CEP). Under Provision 3, schools are similarly household applications (a difference from CEP). Under Provision 3, schools are similarly
required to make eligibility determinations in the first year of a four-year period. However, in this required to make eligibility determinations in the first year of a four-year period. However, in this
case, schools receive the same level of federal assistance over the next three years, which is case, schools receive the same level of federal assistance over the next three years, which is
adjusted for enrollment and inflation (there are no separate payments for free/reduced-price/paid adjusted for enrollment and inflation (there are no separate payments for free/reduced-price/paid
meals).meals).92103
Nutrition Standards and Food Service
Nutrition Standards for School Meals
Nutritional requirements for school meals have changed throughout the history of the school Nutritional requirements for school meals have changed throughout the history of the school
meals programs.meals programs.93104 The most recent child nutrition reauthorization, the HHFKA in 2010, required The most recent child nutrition reauthorization, the HHFKA in 2010, required
USDA to update the nutrition standards for school meals within 18 months of the law’s enactment USDA to update the nutrition standards for school meals within 18 months of the law’s enactment
based on recommendations from the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of based on recommendations from the Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.94105 The law also provided a “performance-based” bonus The law also provided a “performance-based” bonus
reimbursement of 6 cents per lunch (adjusted annually for inflation) for schools certified as reimbursement of 6 cents per lunch (adjusted annually for inflation) for schools certified as
compliant with the updated standards (the rate compliant with the updated standards (the rate ~~was 7~~is 8 cents in school year cents in school year ~~2021-2022~~2023-2024). ).
USDA published the updated nutrition standards for school meals in 2012. USDA published the updated nutrition standards for school meals in 2012.95106 They were based on They were based on
the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (per an existing statutory requirement) as well as the the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (per an existing statutory requirement) as well as the
recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.96107 The The
standards required increased servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and meats/meat standards required increased servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and meats/meat

~~90 CRS calculations using USDA-FNS 742 data for school year 2019-2020.~~
91alternates in lunches and breakfasts. They also restricted milk to unflavored low-fat (1%) and flavored and unflavored fat-free varieties, set limits on calories and sodium in school meals, and prohibited trans fats in school meals, among other changes. Separate from the final rule, USDA 102 Section 11(a)(1) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1759a(a)(1)); 7 C.F.R. §245.9; USDA-FNS, “Provisions 1, 2, Section 11(a)(1) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1759a(a)(1)); 7 C.F.R. §245.9; USDA-FNS, “Provisions 1, 2,
and 3,” May 6, 2014, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/provisions-1-2-and-3. and 3,” May 6, 2014, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/provisions-1-2-and-3.
92103 Ibid. Ibid.
93104 The current nutrition standards for school meals are located at 7 C.F.R. §210.10 (lunches) and 7 C.F.R. §220.8 The current nutrition standards for school meals are located at 7 C.F.R. §210.10 (lunches) and 7 C.F.R. §220.8
(breakfasts). (breakfasts).
94105 Section 201 of P.L. 111-296. Institute of Medicine, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Section 201 of P.L. 111-296. Institute of Medicine, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,
School Meals: Building Blocks for Healthy Children, Washington, DC, 2010. , Washington, DC, 2010.
95106 USDA-FNS, “Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs,” 77 USDA-FNS, “Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs,” 77 Federal
Register 17, January 26, 2012, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/01/26/2012-1010/nutrition-standards- 17, January 26, 2012, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/01/26/2012-1010/nutrition-standards-
in-the-national-school-lunch-and-school-breakfast-programs. For related resources, see USDA-FNS website at in-the-national-school-lunch-and-school-breakfast-programs. For related resources, see USDA-FNS website at
http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/nutrition-standards-school-meals. http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/nutrition-standards-school-meals.
96107 The 1994 child nutrition reauthorization (P.L. 103-448) required schools to serve meals consistent with the Dietary The 1994 child nutrition reauthorization (P.L. 103-448) required schools to serve meals consistent with the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are food-based recommendations developed jointly Guidelines for Americans. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are food-based recommendations developed jointly
by USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and updated every five years. For more information, by USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and updated every five years. For more information,
see CRS Report R44360, see CRS Report R44360, Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Frequently Asked Questions. .
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~~alternates in lunches and breakfasts. They also restricted milk to unflavored low-fat (1%) and~~
~~flavored and unflavored fat-free varieties, set limits on calories and sodium in school meals, and~~
~~prohibited trans fats in school meals, among other changes. Separate from the final rule, USDA~~
also implemented a requirement in the HHFKA that schools make water available to children also implemented a requirement in the HHFKA that schools make water available to children
during meal service in the cafeteria.during meal service in the cafeteria.97108
The revised nutrition standards largely took effect in school year 2012-2013 for lunches and in The revised nutrition standards largely took effect in school year 2012-2013 for lunches and in
school year 2013-2014 for breakfasts. A few requirements phased in over multiple school years.school year 2013-2014 for breakfasts. A few requirements phased in over multiple school years.98
109 Some schools experienced difficulty implementing the new standardsSome schools experienced difficulty implementing the new standards~~, and subsequent~~ .110 Subsequent changes to changes to
the whole grain, sodium, and milk requirements were made through appropriations acts and the whole grain, sodium, and milk requirements were made through appropriations acts and
~~USDA rulemaking.99~~
USDA rulemaking.111 Most recently (as of the cover date of this report), in February 2023, USDA released a proposed rule that would make changes to milk, sodium, and whole grain standards and institute a new limit on added sugars in school meals, among other policies.112 States and school districts are allowed to implement additional nutritional requirements for school States and school districts are allowed to implement additional nutritional requirements for school
meals, as long as they meet the federal standards. meals, as long as they meet the federal standards.
Table 65 provides an overview of the federal nutrition standards for school lunchesprovides an overview of the federal nutrition standards for school lunches ~~as of April~~
~~2022. This table does not reflect any waivers of the meal patterns that USDA and states may have~~
~~granted to SFAs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.100~~
. Table 65. Summary of the Nutrition Standards for School Lunches ~~as of April 2022~~
Grades K-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12

Required offerings per week (minimum per day)a
Fruits (cups) Fruits (cups)
2.5 (0.5) 2.5 (0.5)
2.5 (0.5) 2.5 (0.5)
5 (1) 5 (1)
Vegetables (cups) (subgroup requirements not shown Vegetables (cups) (subgroup requirements not shown)b
3.75 (0.75) 3.75 (0.75)
3.75 (0.75) 3.75 (0.75)
5 (1) 5 (1)
Grains (ounce equivalen Grains (ounce equivalents)c
8-9 (1) 8-9 (1)
8-10 (1) 8-10 (1)
10-12 (2) 10-12 (2)
Meats/meat alternates (ounce equivalents) Meats/meat alternates (ounce equivalents)
8-10 (1) 8-10 (1)
9-10 (1) 9-10 (1)
10-12 (2) 10-12 (2)
Fluid milk (cup Fluid milk (cups)d
5 (1) 5 (1)
5 (1) 5 (1)
5 (1) 5 (1)

97 Daily amount based on average weekly requirement Minimum-maximum calories (kcal)e 550-650 600-700 750-850 108 USDA-FNS, “Revised Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010: Water Availability During National School Lunch USDA-FNS, “Revised Child Nutrition Reauthorization 2010: Water Availability During National School Lunch
Program Meal Service,” SP-28-2011, July 12, 2011. Also see USDA-FNS, “Clarification on the Milk and Water Program Meal Service,” SP-28-2011, July 12, 2011. Also see USDA-FNS, “Clarification on the Milk and Water
Requirements in the School Meal Programs,” SP 39-2019, September 23, 2019. Requirements in the School Meal Programs,” SP 39-2019, September 23, 2019.
98109 For the original implementation schedule based on the January 2012 final rule, see USDA-FNS Implementation For the original implementation schedule based on the January 2012 final rule, see USDA-FNS Implementation
Timeline, http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/implementation_timeline.pdf. Timeline, http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/implementation_timeline.pdf.
99110 For further background, see CRS Report R45486, Child Nutrition Programs: Issues in the 115th Congress. 111 Appropriations acts in FY2015, FY2016, FY2017, and FY2021 made changes to milk, whole grain, and/or sodium Appropriations acts in FY2015, FY2016, FY2017, and FY2021 made changes to milk, whole grain, and/or sodium
requirements. In December 2018, USDA under the Trump Administration issued a final rule making changes to such requirements. In December 2018, USDA under the Trump Administration issued a final rule making changes to such
requirements in school year 2019-2020 forward (these policies are discussed in CRS Insight IN11009, requirements in school year 2019-2020 forward (these policies are discussed in CRS Insight IN11009, USDA’s Final
Rule on Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium in School Meals and CRS Report R45486, and CRS Report R45486, Child Nutrition Programs: Issues
in the 115th Congress). The December 2018 rule was subsequently vacated by a U.S. District Court (see USDA-FNS, ). The December 2018 rule was subsequently vacated by a U.S. District Court (see USDA-FNS,
“Child Nutrition Programs: Rescission of Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Flexibilities: Notice of Vacatur” 85 “Child Nutrition Programs: Rescission of Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Flexibilities: Notice of Vacatur” 85 Federal
Register 74847, November 24, 2020), reverting the programs to the milk, sodium, and whole grain policies established 74847, November 24, 2020), reverting the programs to the milk, sodium, and whole grain policies established
in the 2012 final rule. In February 2022, USDA under the Biden Administration issued a final rule making changes to in the 2012 final rule. In February 2022, USDA under the Biden Administration issued a final rule making changes to
the milk, whole grain, and sodium requirements starting in school year 2022-2023 and stating its intentions to issue the milk, whole grain, and sodium requirements starting in school year 2022-2023 and stating its intentions to issue
further rulemaking for subsequent school years (see USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for further rulemaking for subsequent school years (see USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for
Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium,” 87 Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium,” 87 Federal Register 6984, February 7, 2022). 6984, February 7, 2022).
~~100 During the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA-FNS has allowed states to waive meal pattern requirements on a targeted~~
~~basis. For more information, see USDA-FNS, “Nationwide Waiver to Allow Specific School Meal Pattern Flexibility~~
~~for School Year 2021-22,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/covid-19-child-nutrition-response-90~~ 112 For more information, see CRS Report R47522, USDA’s February 2023 Proposed Rule to Update Nutrition Standards for School Meals. .
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Grades K-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12

~~Daily amount based on average weekly requirement~~
~~Minimum-maximum calories (kcal)e~~
~~550-650~~
~~600-700~~
~~750-850~~
Saturated fat (percentage of total calories) Saturated fat (percentage of total calories)
<10% <10%
<10% <10%
<10% <10%
Sodium Interim Target 1 ( Sodium Interim Target 1 (mg)f
≤1,230 ≤1,230
≤1,360 ≤1,360
≤1,420 ≤1,420
Sodium Interim Target I Sodium Interim Target IA (mg)f
≤1,110 ≤1,110
≤1,225 ≤1,225
≤1,280 ≤1,280
Trans fat Trans fat
Nutrition label or manufacturer specifications Nutrition label or manufacturer specifications
must indicate zero grams of transmust indicate zero grams of trans fat (less than fat (less than
0.5 grams) per serving. 0.5 grams) per serving.
Source: Table adapted from Table adapted from ~~USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole~~
Grains, and Sodium,” 87 Federal Register ~~6984, February 7, 2022~~7 C.F.R. §210.10(c) as of October 2023. .
a. School food authorities must allow high school students and can optionally allow students at the middle and a. School food authorities must allow high school students and can optionally allow students at the middle and
elementary school levels to decline up to two components at lunch, except that the students must select at elementary school levels to decline up to two components at lunch, except that the students must select at
least a 0.5 cup of the fruit or vegetable component. least a 0.5 cup of the fruit or vegetable component.
b. Requirements related to vegetable subgroups (dark green, red/orange, legumes, starchy, other) are not b. Requirements related to vegetable subgroups (dark green, red/orange, legumes, starchy, other) are not
shown. Up to half of the fruit or vegetable offerings may be in the form of 100% juice. shown. Up to half of the fruit or vegetable offerings may be in the form of 100% juice.
c. At least 80% of grains offered weekly must be whole grain-rich (defined as containing at least 50% whole- c. At least 80% of grains offered weekly must be whole grain-rich (defined as containing at least 50% whole-
grains, and the remaining grain, if any, must be enriched). grains, and the remaining grain, if any, must be enriched).
d. All fluid milk must be low-fat (1% fat or less) or fat-free. Milk may be flavored or unflavored, provided that d. All fluid milk must be low-fat (1% fat or less) or fat-free. Milk may be flavored or unflavored, provided that
unflavored milk is offered. With milk and with other foods, schools unflavored milk is offered. With milk and with other foods, schools must make substitutions for students make substitutions for students
who are considered to have a disability and whose disability restricts their diet, and who are considered to have a disability and whose disability restricts their diet, and may make substitutions make substitutions
for medical or special dietary needs. for medical or special dietary needs.
e. Discretionary sources of calories (solid fats and added sugars) may be added to the meal pattern if within e. Discretionary sources of calories (solid fats and added sugars) may be added to the meal pattern if within
the specifications for calories, saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. the specifications for calories, saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium.
f. f.
Sodium Interim Target 1 must be met in SY2022-2023. Sodium Interim Target 1A must be met in SY2023- Sodium Interim Target 1 must be met in SY2022-2023. Sodium Interim Target 1A must be met in SY2023-
2024. 2024.
Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods
The HHFKA also required USDA to develop nutrition standards for other foods sold in NSLP- The HHFKA also required USDA to develop nutrition standards for other foods sold in NSLP-
and SBP-participating schools on campus during the school day. These foods are known as and SBP-participating schools on campus during the school day. These foods are known as
competitive foods (i.e., foods sold in competition with school meals). Competitive foods include (i.e., foods sold in competition with school meals). Competitive foods include
foods and drinks sold in vending machines, a la carte lines, snack bars and concession stands, and foods and drinks sold in vending machines, a la carte lines, snack bars and concession stands, and
school fundraisers. These foods do not receive a federal reimbursement. The HHFKA required school fundraisers. These foods do not receive a federal reimbursement. The HHFKA required
USDA to publish proposed nutrition standards for competitive foods within one year of the law’s USDA to publish proposed nutrition standards for competitive foods within one year of the law’s
enactment and align the standards with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. enactment and align the standards with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Relying on recommendations made by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Relying on recommendations made by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine, FNS promulgated a proposed rule in April 2013 and then an interim final rule in June Medicine, FNS promulgated a proposed rule in April 2013 and then an interim final rule in June
2013, which went into effect in school year 2014-2015.2013, which went into effect in school year 2014-2015.~~101~~113 The interim final rule created nutrition The interim final rule created nutrition

~~101~~standards for all non-meal foods and beverages that are sold during the school day (defined as midnight until 30 minutes after dismissal). The final rule, published in July 2016, maintained the 113 Institute of Medicine, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Institute of Medicine, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Nutrition Standards for Foods
in Schools: Leading the Way toward Healthier Youth, 2007, https://www.nap.edu/catalog/11899/nutrition-standards-, 2007, https://www.nap.edu/catalog/11899/nutrition-standards-
for-foods-in-schools-leading-the-way-toward; USDA-FNS, “Interim Rule: NSLP and SBP Nutrition Standards for All for-foods-in-schools-leading-the-way-toward; USDA-FNS, “Interim Rule: NSLP and SBP Nutrition Standards for All
Foods Sold in Schools as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,” 78 Foods Sold in Schools as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,” 78 Federal Register 79567, 79567,
December 31, 2013, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/12/31/2013-31350/national-school-lunch-December 31, 2013, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/12/31/2013-31350/national-school-lunch-
program-and-school-breakfast-program-nutrition-standards-for-all-foods-sold-in. Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
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~~standards for all non-meal foods and beverages that are sold during the school day (defined as~~
~~midnight until 30 minutes after dismissal). The final rule, published in July 2016, maintained the~~
interim final rules with minor changes.interim final rules with minor changes.~~102~~114 Under the final standards, competitive foods must have Under the final standards, competitive foods must have
certain primary ingredients, meet whole-grain requirements, and comply with calorie, sugar, certain primary ingredients, meet whole-grain requirements, and comply with calorie, sugar,
sodium, and fat limits, among other criteria. Schools are also limited to a list of zero- and low-sodium, and fat limits, among other criteria. Schools are also limited to a list of zero- and low-
calorie beverages they may sell (with larger portion sizes and caffeine allowed in high schools).calorie beverages they may sell (with larger portion sizes and caffeine allowed in high schools).~~103~~115
Fundraisers held outside of the school day and fundraisers in which the food sold is clearly not Fundraisers held outside of the school day and fundraisers in which the food sold is clearly not
intended for consumption on campus during the school day are not subject to the competitive intended for consumption on campus during the school day are not subject to the competitive
food nutrition standards. In addition, the law and the final rule provided states with discretion to food nutrition standards. In addition, the law and the final rule provided states with discretion to
exempt infrequent fundraisers selling foods or beverages that do not meet the nutrition standards. exempt infrequent fundraisers selling foods or beverages that do not meet the nutrition standards.
The federal standards are minimum standards, and states and school districts are permitted to The federal standards are minimum standards, and states and school districts are permitted to
issue more stringent policies. Many districts already had local competitive food standards in place issue more stringent policies. Many districts already had local competitive food standards in place
prior to the HHFKA because of the 2004 child nutrition reauthorization law (P.L. 108-265), which prior to the HHFKA because of the 2004 child nutrition reauthorization law (P.L. 108-265), which
required local educational agencies to implement local school wellness policies that included required local educational agencies to implement local school wellness policies that included
nutritional guidelines for foods sold in schools (local school wellness policies are discussed in the nutritional guidelines for foods sold in schools (local school wellness policies are discussed in the
“Other Child Nutrition Activities” section). section).
Local School Wellness Policies
Local educational agencies participating in the school meals programs are required to have a Local educational agencies participating in the school meals programs are required to have a local local
school wellness policy, which sets nutrition and health-related goals and guidelines for schools school wellness policy, which sets nutrition and health-related goals and guidelines for schools
within the jurisdiction.within the jurisdiction.~~104~~116 Local school wellness policies must include goals related to nutrition Local school wellness policies must include goals related to nutrition
and physical activity, nutrition standards for school foods that meet or exceed federal nutrition and physical activity, nutrition standards for school foods that meet or exceed federal nutrition
standards, and an implementation plan, among other content. Local educational agencies must standards, and an implementation plan, among other content. Local educational agencies must
provide opportunities for input from parents, students, school nutrition professionals, physical provide opportunities for input from parents, students, school nutrition professionals, physical
education teachers, school health professionals, school administrators, and the general public in education teachers, school health professionals, school administrators, and the general public in
developing and updating local school wellness policies. developing and updating local school wellness policies.
Food Procurement and Preparation
The majority of foods used in the school meal programs are purchased by school food authorities The majority of foods used in the school meal programs are purchased by school food authorities
using federal cash reimbursements or other funds. School food authorities also receive USDA using federal cash reimbursements or other funds. School food authorities also receive USDA
Foods (as discussed previously). School food authorities must comply with federal procurement Foods (as discussed previously). School food authorities must comply with federal procurement
rules when purchasing foods for the school meals programs.rules when purchasing foods for the school meals programs.~~105~~117 In addition, there is a “Buy In addition, there is a “Buy
American” requirement in statute that requires schools participating in the school meal programs American” requirement in statute that requires schools participating in the school meal programs
to purchase domestic commodities and products “to the maximum extent practicable.”to purchase domestic commodities and products “to the maximum extent practicable.”~~106~~

~~program-and-school-breakfast-program-nutrition-standards-for-all-foods-sold-in.~~
~~102~~118 114 USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Nutrition Standards for All Foods USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program: Nutrition Standards for All Foods
Sold in School as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010; Final Rule,” 81Sold in School as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010; Final Rule,” 81 Federal Register 50131, 50131,
July 29, 2016, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/07/29/2016-17227/national-school-lunch-program-July 29, 2016, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/07/29/2016-17227/national-school-lunch-program-
and-school-breakfast-program-nutrition-standards-for-all-foods-sold-in. Related resources are available at the USDA-and-school-breakfast-program-nutrition-standards-for-all-foods-sold-in. Related resources are available at the USDA-
FNS website, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/tools-schools-focusing-smart-snacks. FNS website, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/tools-schools-focusing-smart-snacks.
~~103~~115 7 C.F.R. §210.11. 7 C.F.R. §210.11.
~~104~~116 The 2004 child nutrition reauthorization created the requirement that local educational agencies establish school The 2004 child nutrition reauthorization created the requirement that local educational agencies establish school
wellness policies, and the HHFKA expanded requirements around local school wellness policies. Section 9A of the wellness policies, and the HHFKA expanded requirements around local school wellness policies. Section 9A of the
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. §1758b); 7 C.F.R. §210.31. Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. §1758b); 7 C.F.R. §210.31.
~~105~~117 7 C.F.R. §210.21. 7 C.F.R. §210.21.
~~106~~118 Section 12(n) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1760(n)). USDA has issued guidance on the implementation of this Section 12(n) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1760(n)). USDA has issued guidance on the implementation of this
provision; see USDA-FNS, “Compliance with and Enforcement of the Buy American Provision in the National School provision; see USDA-FNS, “Compliance with and Enforcement of the Buy American Provision in the National School
Lunch Program,” SP 38-2017, June 2017, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/compliance-enforcement-buy-american. For further discussion, see CRS Report R45486, Child Nutrition Programs: Issues in the 115th Congress. Congressional Research Service 28 ~~Congressional Research Service~~
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School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding

Purchases may include local foods, as long as they comply with federal, state, and local Purchases may include local foods, as long as they comply with federal, state, and local
procurement regulations.procurement regulations.~~107~~119
Many school food authorities purchase and prepare their own meals, either at a centralized district Many school food authorities purchase and prepare their own meals, either at a centralized district
kitchen or onsite at individual schools.kitchen or onsite at individual schools.~~108~~120 Alternatively, school food authorities may contract with Alternatively, school food authorities may contract with
a private food service management company to contract out procurement and/or meal a private food service management company to contract out procurement and/or meal
preparation.preparation.~~109~~121 The contracted company must comply with all school meal regulations and the The contracted company must comply with all school meal regulations and the
school food authority must retain general control over the operation of the school meals school food authority must retain general control over the operation of the school meals
programs, including financial oversight and compliance with nutrition standards.programs, including financial oversight and compliance with nutrition standards.~~110~~122
Meal Times and Settings
In general, lunches and breakfasts are intended to be consumed onsite during the school day. In general, lunches and breakfasts are intended to be consumed onsite during the school day.~~111~~123
Surveys have found that schools typically provide roughly 20 minutes for breakfast and 25-30 Surveys have found that schools typically provide roughly 20 minutes for breakfast and 25-30
minutes for lunch.minutes for lunch.~~112~~124
Under SBP, students were traditionally required to arrive early for breakfast and eat it in the Under SBP, students were traditionally required to arrive early for breakfast and eat it in the
cafeteria. However, in recent years, schools and states have increasingly adopted alternative cafeteria. However, in recent years, schools and states have increasingly adopted alternative
models of breakfast service such as breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go carts, and breakfast models of breakfast service such as breakfast in the classroom, grab-and-go carts, and breakfast
during morning breaks. Anti-hunger advocacy groups have encouraged the adoption of new during morning breaks. Anti-hunger advocacy groups have encouraged the adoption of new
models of breakfast service as a way to increase SBP participation.models of breakfast service as a way to increase SBP participation.~~113~~125 According to a 2018 survey According to a 2018 survey
by the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a membership and advocacy organization, more than by the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a membership and advocacy organization, more than
half of surveyed school districts offered both a traditional cafeteria line and alternative modes of half of surveyed school districts offered both a traditional cafeteria line and alternative modes of
breakfast service, while 43% of schools offered a cafeteria line only. Common alternatives were breakfast service, while 43% of schools offered a cafeteria line only. Common alternatives were

~~Lunch Program,” SP 38-2017, June 2017, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/compliance-enforcement-buy-~~
~~american. For further discussion, see CRS Report R45486, Child Nutrition Programs: Issues in the 115th Congress.~~
~~107~~ 119 For more information, see CRS Report R43950, For more information, see CRS Report R43950, Local Food Systems: Selected Farm Bill and Other Federal
Programs. .
~~108~~120 A nationally representative study by USDA in school year 2014-2015 found that nearly 80% of public schools A nationally representative study by USDA in school year 2014-2015 found that nearly 80% of public schools
participating in NSLP cooked meals onsite, with the remainder receiving partially or fully prepared meals from a participating in NSLP cooked meals onsite, with the remainder receiving partially or fully prepared meals from a
central kitchen or other production facility (USDA-FNS, Office of Policy Support, central kitchen or other production facility (USDA-FNS, Office of Policy Support, School Nutrition and Meal Cost
Study, Final Report Volume 1: School Meal Program Operations and School Nutrition Environments, Prepared by , Prepared by
Mathematica Policy Research and Abt Associates, April 2019, p. A.45, https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/Mathematica Policy Research and Abt Associates, April 2019, p. A.45, https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/
files/resource-files/SNMCS-Volume1.pdf). files/resource-files/SNMCS-Volume1.pdf).
~~109~~121 The USDA study in school year 2014-2015 (ibid, p. A.59) found that 19.7% of public school food authorities used a The USDA study in school year 2014-2015 (ibid, p. A.59) found that 19.7% of public school food authorities used a
food service management company. They were most commonly tasked with menu planning, preparing and serving food service management company. They were most commonly tasked with menu planning, preparing and serving
meals, and overseeing private employees. A more recent, nationally representative survey conducted by USDA in meals, and overseeing private employees. A more recent, nationally representative survey conducted by USDA in
school year 2016-2017 found that 26.2% of public school food authorities used a food service management company school year 2016-2017 found that 26.2% of public school food authorities used a food service management company
(USDA-FNS, (USDA-FNS, Study of School Food Authority Procurement Practices, prepared by 2M Research, September 22, 2021, , prepared by 2M Research, September 22, 2021,
p. 44, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/study-school-food-authority-procurement-practices). p. 44, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/study-school-food-authority-procurement-practices).
~~110~~122 USDA-FNS, “Contracting with Food Service Management Companies: Guidance for School Food Authorities,” USDA-FNS, “Contracting with Food Service Management Companies: Guidance for School Food Authorities,”
SP40, CACFP12, SFSP14-2016, May 2016, https://www.fns.usda.gov/updated-guidance-contracting-food-service-SP40, CACFP12, SFSP14-2016, May 2016, https://www.fns.usda.gov/updated-guidance-contracting-food-service-
management. management.
~~111~~123 USDA-FNS, “Clarification of the Policy on Food Consumption Outside of Foodservice Area, and the Whole Grain- USDA-FNS, “Clarification of the Policy on Food Consumption Outside of Foodservice Area, and the Whole Grain-
Rich Requirement,” April 2014, https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cn/SP41-2014os.pdf. Rich Requirement,” April 2014, https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cn/SP41-2014os.pdf.
~~112~~124 USDA-FNS Office of Policy Support, USDA-FNS Office of Policy Support, Special Nutrition Program Operations Study: State and School Food
Authority Policies and Practices for School Meals Programs School Year 2011-12, March 2014, https://fns-, March 2014, https://fns-
prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/SNOPSYear1.pdf; and School Nutrition Association, prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/SNOPSYear1.pdf; and School Nutrition Association, School Nutrition Operations
Report: The State of School Nutrition 2018, August 2018. , August 2018.
~~113~~125 For example, see Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), “School Breakfast Expansion Strategies,” For example, see Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), “School Breakfast Expansion Strategies,”
http://www.frac.org/programs/school-breakfast-program/school-breakfast-expansion-strategies; and Share Our http://www.frac.org/programs/school-breakfast-program/school-breakfast-expansion-strategies; and Share Our
Strength, “2017-2018 State-level Policy and Legislative Trends,” http://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/policy-and-Strength, “2017-2018 State-level Policy and Legislative Trends,” http://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/policy-and-
advocacy/school-breakfast. advocacy/school-breakfast.
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grab-and-go stations (particularly in middle and high schools) and breakfast in the classroom grab-and-go stations (particularly in middle and high schools) and breakfast in the classroom
(particularly in elementary schools).(particularly in elementary schools).~~114~~126
School Meal Equipment Assistance Grants
At different points in the school meals programs’ history, specific funds have been provided for At different points in the school meals programs’ history, specific funds have been provided for
cafeteria equipment purchases (per-meal reimbursements may also cover equipment costs). Since cafeteria equipment purchases (per-meal reimbursements may also cover equipment costs). Since
FY2013, annual appropriations acts have provided funding for school meal equipment assistance FY2013, annual appropriations acts have provided funding for school meal equipment assistance
grants to help schools prepare meals that comply with updated nutrition standards, improve food grants to help schools prepare meals that comply with updated nutrition standards, improve food
safety, and support the establishment, maintenance, or expansion of school breakfast programs safety, and support the establishment, maintenance, or expansion of school breakfast programs
($30 million was provided for ($30 million was provided for ~~FY2022, as shown in Table 2).115~~FY2023).127 These grants are awarded by These grants are awarded by
FNS to state agencies, which distribute funds to school food authorities on a competitive basis.FNS to state agencies, which distribute funds to school food authorities on a competitive basis.~~116~~128
School Breakfast Expansion Grants
The HHFKA authorized competitive grants to states to help school districts “establish, maintain, The HHFKA authorized competitive grants to states to help school districts “establish, maintain,
or expand the school breakfast program.”or expand the school breakfast program.”~~117~~129 The law provides priority for school districts carrying The law provides priority for school districts carrying
out projects in schools where at least 75% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals and out projects in schools where at least 75% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals and
those that have adopted or commit to adopting effective strategies to increase breakfast those that have adopted or commit to adopting effective strategies to increase breakfast
participation, as identified by FNS. Appropriations acts in FY2020, FY2021, participation, as identified by FNS. Appropriations acts in FY2020, FY2021, ~~and FY2022~~
FY2022, and FY2023 provided $5 million, $6 million, provided $5 million, $6 million, $6 million, and $3~~and $6~~ million for these grants, respectively. million for these grants, respectively.~~118~~130 USDA awarded USDA awarded
funds to four states and one territory in FY2021funds to four states and one territory in FY2021~~.119~~, and one territory in FY2022.131
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
CACFP provides federal reimbursements for meals and snacks served in approximately CACFP provides federal reimbursements for meals and snacks served in approximately ~~160~~140,000 ,000
child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers nationwide in a typical year (see child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers nationwide in a typical year (see
Table 76 for participation by type of institution).for participation by type of institution).~~120~~132 Reimbursements are provided for meals and Reimbursements are provided for meals and
snacks served to children ages 12 and under, children of any age with disabilities, and chronically snacks served to children ages 12 and under, children of any age with disabilities, and chronically
disabled and elderly adults.disabled and elderly adults.~~121~~133 CACFP also supports free meals and snacks for children ages 18 CACFP also supports free meals and snacks for children ages 18

~~114~~ 126 School Nutrition Association, School Nutrition Association, School Nutrition Operations Report: The State of School Nutrition 2018, August , August
2018. 2018.
~~115~~127 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5) provided $100 million for school meals equipment The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (P.L. 111-5) provided $100 million for school meals equipment
assistance grants, which was spent in FY2009-FY2011. Appropriations acts in FY2010 and from FY2013 to assistance grants, which was spent in FY2009-FY2011. Appropriations acts in FY2010 and from FY2013 to ~~FY2022~~FY2023
have provided subsequent funding for these grants. have provided subsequent funding for these grants.
~~116~~128 For example, see USDA-FNS, “FY For example, see USDA-FNS, “FY ~~2021~~2023 National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grants for School National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grants for School
Food Authorities,” Food Authorities,” ~~June 1, 2021~~August 3, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/, https://www.fns.usda.gov/~~cn/sp-13-2021.~~
~~117~~nslp/fy-2023-equipment-assistance-grants. 129 Section 23 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. §1793). Section 23 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. §1793).
~~118~~130 P.L. 116-94, P.L. 116-260, P.L. 116-94, P.L. 116-260, P.L. 117-103, and P.L. 117-and P.L. 117-~~103~~328. The FY2020 . The FY2020 ~~law~~and FY2023 laws included a $1 million reservation and the FY2021 included a $1 million reservation and the FY2021
and FY2022 laws included a $2 million reservation of funds for Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern and FY2022 laws included a $2 million reservation of funds for Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
~~119~~131 USDA-FNS, “2023 USDA Explanatory Notes USDA-FNS, “2023 USDA Explanatory Notes – –Food and Nutrition Service,” p. 35-35, https://www.usda.gov/sites/Food and Nutrition Service,” p. 35-35, https://www.usda.gov/sites/
default/files/documents/35-2023-FNS.pdfdefault/files/documents/35-2023-FNS.pdf.
~~120 FY2019 data from USDA-FNS, “September 2020 Keydata Report,” January 27, 2021, https://www.fns.~~; USDA-FNS, “2024 USDA Explanatory Notes–Food and Nutrition Service,” p. 35-39, https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2024-FNS.pdf. 132 FY2022 data from USDA-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023. 133~~usda.gov/~~
~~data/september-2020-keydata-report.~~
~~121~~ Reimbursements are also available for meals/snacks served to migrant children ages 15 or under and children with Reimbursements are also available for meals/snacks served to migrant children ages 15 or under and children with
disabilities of any age. disabilities of any age. Elderly is defined as individuals age 60 or older. 7 C.F.R. §226.2. is defined as individuals age 60 or older. 7 C.F.R. §226.2.
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and under in emergency shelters and afterschool programs in low-income areas (discussed in the and under in emergency shelters and afterschool programs in low-income areas (discussed in the
“After-School Meals and Snacks” section). section).~~122~~134
In general, CACFP provides cash reimbursements for up to two meals and one snack or one meal In general, CACFP provides cash reimbursements for up to two meals and one snack or one meal
and two snacks per participant daily (a meal may be a breakfast, lunch, or supper).and two snacks per participant daily (a meal may be a breakfast, lunch, or supper).~~123~~135 A smaller A smaller
share of federal aid takes the form of commodity assistance or cash in lieu of commodities and share of federal aid takes the form of commodity assistance or cash in lieu of commodities and
funds for administrative costs (discussed previously).funds for administrative costs (discussed previously).~~124~~136 The eligibility and funding rules of The eligibility and funding rules of
CACFP differ for centers (facilities or institutions) and day care homes (private homes). Day care CACFP differ for centers (facilities or institutions) and day care homes (private homes). Day care
homes must be overseen by sponsoring organizations, which handle the financial and homes must be overseen by sponsoring organizations, which handle the financial and
administrative functions of the program for local providers. Centers have the option of operating administrative functions of the program for local providers. Centers have the option of operating
independently or under a sponsor. independently or under a sponsor.
Both centers and day care homes must comply with government-established standards for other Both centers and day care homes must comply with government-established standards for other
child care programs and meet federal CACFP nutrition standards.child care programs and meet federal CACFP nutrition standards.~~125~~137
Table 76. CACFP Participation: Centers and Day Care Homes, ~~FY2019~~FY2022
Average Number of
Participants Per
Outlets
Participants
Institution

Day care homes Day care homes
~~90,900~~
~~679,000~~74,100 571,300
8 8
Child care centers Child care centers
~~66,900~~
~~3,979,300~~
5964,600 4,102,300 64
Adult day care centers Adult day care centers
2, 2,~~800~~
~~136,700~~
49300 114,000 50
Source: USDA USDA ~~FNS, “September 2020~~-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023. Notes: Participation estimated by USDA- ~~Keydata Report,” January 27, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/~~
~~september-2020-keydata-report.~~
Notes: FY2019 participation data are shown due to atypical participation in FY2020 and FY2021 as a result of
~~the COVID-19 pandemic and related policies. Participation estimated by USDA~~ FNS based on average daily FNS based on average daily
meals served; average number of participants per institutions estimated by CRS. Total number of outlets and meals served; average number of participants per institutions estimated by CRS. Total number of outlets and
participants are rounded to the nearest hundreds. participants are rounded to the nearest hundreds.
Data are preliminary for FY2022. Administration
At the local level, sponsor organizations administer CACFP for all participating day care homes At the local level, sponsor organizations administer CACFP for all participating day care homes
and centers that elect to have a sponsor. Sponsors are responsible for conducting audits of and centers that elect to have a sponsor. Sponsors are responsible for conducting audits of
providers, distributing federal reimbursements, and in some instances, preparing and distributing providers, distributing federal reimbursements, and in some instances, preparing and distributing

~~122~~ 134 For more information on CACFP for emergency shelters, see https://www.fns.usda.gov/participation-emergency- For more information on CACFP for emergency shelters, see https://www.fns.usda.gov/participation-emergency-
shelters-child-and-adult-care-food-program-cacfp—questions-and-answers. shelters-child-and-adult-care-food-program-cacfp—questions-and-answers.
~~123~~135 Section 17(f)(2)(B) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1766(f)(2)(B)). Emergency shelters can receive reimbursement for up Section 17(f)(2)(B) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1766(f)(2)(B)). Emergency shelters can receive reimbursement for up
to three meals per day per child. to three meals per day per child.
~~124~~136 In CACFP, states may request any amount of cash-in-lieu of commodities per Section 17(h)(1)(D) of the NSLA In CACFP, states may request any amount of cash-in-lieu of commodities per Section 17(h)(1)(D) of the NSLA
(codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(h)(1)(D)). (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(h)(1)(D)).
~~125~~137 Section 17(a)(5) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(5)); 7 C.F.R. §226.6(d). All CACFP-participating Section 17(a)(5) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(5)); 7 C.F.R. §226.6(d). All CACFP-participating
child care centers and homes must be licensed child care providers. If federal, state, or local licensing is not available, child care centers and homes must be licensed child care providers. If federal, state, or local licensing is not available,
the institution must comply with federal, state, or local child care standards. Emergency shelters are not subject to this the institution must comply with federal, state, or local child care standards. Emergency shelters are not subject to this
requirement but they must meet state or local health and safety standards. requirement but they must meet state or local health and safety standards.
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meals. meals.~~126~~138 They can be public or nonprofit institutions or, in some cases, for-profit institutions. They can be public or nonprofit institutions or, in some cases, for-profit institutions.~~127~~139
Centers that choose to handle their own administrative responsibilities are referred to as Centers that choose to handle their own administrative responsibilities are referred to as
independent centers. independent centers.
Unlike centers, day care homes are required to have a sponsor organization. Sponsors receive Unlike centers, day care homes are required to have a sponsor organization. Sponsors receive
monthly federal administrative payments based on the number of homes for which they are monthly federal administrative payments based on the number of homes for which they are
responsible (sponsors, on average, have more than 100 day care homes under their responsible (sponsors, on average, have more than 100 day care homes under their
supervision).supervision).~~128~~140 They may also receive a portion of the per-meal reimbursement if they have an They may also receive a portion of the per-meal reimbursement if they have an
agreement with the day care home to prepare meals.agreement with the day care home to prepare meals.~~129~~141 If a center opts to have a sponsor, the If a center opts to have a sponsor, the
sponsor may retain a portion of the per-meal reimbursements for its administrative expenses.sponsor may retain a portion of the per-meal reimbursements for its administrative expenses.~~130~~142
In CACFP, the state administering agency is typically the state department of education or In CACFP, the state administering agency is typically the state department of education or
department of health and/or human services.department of health and/or human services.~~131~~143 The state agency distributes federal funds and The state agency distributes federal funds and
conducts reviews of CACFP sponsor organizations and independent centers.conducts reviews of CACFP sponsor organizations and independent centers.~~132~~144
Similar to the school meals programs, FNS provides oversight of state agencies and issues Similar to the school meals programs, FNS provides oversight of state agencies and issues
guidance and regulations to states and providers. guidance and regulations to states and providers.
Eligibility and Reimbursement
CACFP Centers
The following institutions are eligible to participate as centers in CACFP: The following institutions are eligible to participate as centers in CACFP:
• public or private public or private nonprofit (tax exempt) organizations providing nonresidential (tax exempt) organizations providing nonresidential
child care or adult day care (including school food authorities and Head Start child care or adult day care (including school food authorities and Head Start
centers),centers),~~133~~
145 • private private for-profit organizations providing nonresidential child care or adult day organizations providing nonresidential child care or adult day
care that enroll a certain proportion of low-income participants, care that enroll a certain proportion of low-income participants,~~134 and~~

~~126~~146 and 138 Per statute, sponsors must make at least one scheduled visit to sponsored day care homes and centers each year and Per statute, sponsors must make at least one scheduled visit to sponsored day care homes and centers each year and
periodic unannounced site visits at not less than three-year intervals (Section 17(d)(2) of the NSLA [codified at 42 periodic unannounced site visits at not less than three-year intervals (Section 17(d)(2) of the NSLA [codified at 42
U.S.C. §1766(d)(2)]). Per regulations, sponsors must make at least three site visits each year, two of which must be U.S.C. §1766(d)(2)]). Per regulations, sponsors must make at least three site visits each year, two of which must be
unannounced, with limited exceptions (7 C.F.R. §226.16(d)(4)(iii)). CACFP has a “serious deficiency” process that unannounced, with limited exceptions (7 C.F.R. §226.16(d)(4)(iii)). CACFP has a “serious deficiency” process that
outlines the procedures involved in terminating an institution or provider from CACFP, which involves corrective outlines the procedures involved in terminating an institution or provider from CACFP, which involves corrective
action plans and hearings (Section 17(d)(5) of the NSLA [codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(d)(5)]). action plans and hearings (Section 17(d)(5) of the NSLA [codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(d)(5)]).
~~127~~139 For-profit institutions may be sponsors of for-profit centers if they are part of the same legal entity. Section For-profit institutions may be sponsors of for-profit centers if they are part of the same legal entity. Section
17(a)(2)(D) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(2)(D)). 17(a)(2)(D) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(2)(D)).
~~128~~140 The number of day care homes divided by the number of sponsors of day care homes. USDA-FNS, “ The number of day care homes divided by the number of sponsors of day care homes. USDA-FNS, “~~September~~
~~2020 Keydata Report,” January 27, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/september-2020-keydata-report.~~
~~129~~June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023. 141 See program regulations at 7 C.F.R. §226.13. See program regulations at 7 C.F.R. §226.13.
~~130~~142 Sponsors of centers may retain up to 15% of the per-meal reimbursements for administrative expenses. They may Sponsors of centers may retain up to 15% of the per-meal reimbursements for administrative expenses. They may
also request a state waiver to exceed this limit. See program regulations at 7 C.F.R. §226.7(g). also request a state waiver to exceed this limit. See program regulations at 7 C.F.R. §226.7(g).
~~131~~143 For a list of CACFP state administering agencies, see USDA-FNS, “CACFP: Contacts,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/ For a list of CACFP state administering agencies, see USDA-FNS, “CACFP: Contacts,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/
contacts. contacts.
~~132~~144 State agencies must annually review at least one-third of sponsors/independent centers. Further rules are specified at State agencies must annually review at least one-third of sponsors/independent centers. Further rules are specified at
7 C.F.R. §226.6(m). 7 C.F.R. §226.6(m).
~~133~~145 Section 17(a)(2) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(2)). Private nonprofit institutions must have tax- Section 17(a)(2) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(2)). Private nonprofit institutions must have tax-
exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 per program regulations (7 C.F.R. §226.15). exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 per program regulations (7 C.F.R. §226.15).
~~134~~146 Section 17(a)(2) and Section 17(d)(1)(B) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(2), (d)(1)(B)). Private for- Section 17(a)(2) and Section 17(d)(1)(B) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(2), (d)(1)(B)). Private for-
profit institutions qualify if at least 25% of enrolled children meet the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced-profit institutions qualify if at least 25% of enrolled children meet the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced-
price school meals, if the institution receives compensation under the Social Services Block Grant for at least 25% of price school meals, if the institution receives compensation under the Social Services Block Grant for at least 25% of
its enrolled children, or if at least 25% of enrolled adults are Medicaid or Social Services Block Grant beneficiaries. Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
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• emergency shelters for homeless families. emergency shelters for homeless families.~~135~~147
Adult day care centers and outside school hour centers fall under the first two categories, but they Adult day care centers and outside school hour centers fall under the first two categories, but they
are subject to specific federal regulations.are subject to specific federal regulations.~~136~~148
Income eligibility rules for CACFP centers are the same as the school meals programs: Income eligibility rules for CACFP centers are the same as the school meals programs:
participants in households at or below 130% of the poverty line qualify for free meals and snacks participants in households at or below 130% of the poverty line qualify for free meals and snacks
and those between 130% and 185% of the poverty line qualify for reduced-price meals and and those between 130% and 185% of the poverty line qualify for reduced-price meals and
snacks (a charge of no more than 40 cents for a lunch or supper, 30 cents for a breakfast, and 15 snacks (a charge of no more than 40 cents for a lunch or supper, 30 cents for a breakfast, and 15
cents for a snack).cents for a snack).~~137~~149 CACFP centers also use similar categorical eligibility criteria, including CACFP centers also use similar categorical eligibility criteria, including
participation in Head Start, foster child status, and household participation in SNAP, FDPIR, or participation in Head Start, foster child status, and household participation in SNAP, FDPIR, or
TANF assistance. Adults are categorically eligible if they participate in SNAP, FDPIR, TANF assistance. Adults are categorically eligible if they participate in SNAP, FDPIR,
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicaid.Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicaid.~~138~~150 Eligibility is determined through paper Eligibility is determined through paper
applications or, in some states, direct certification-like processes. applications or, in some states, direct certification-like processes.
For CACFP centers, the reimbursement rates for breakfasts and lunches/suppers are the same as For CACFP centers, the reimbursement rates for breakfasts and lunches/suppers are the same as
the SBP breakfast reimbursement rate and NSLP lunch reimbursement rate, respectively. The the SBP breakfast reimbursement rate and NSLP lunch reimbursement rate, respectively. The
largest subsidies are provided for free and reduced-price meals and snacks, while paid meals largest subsidies are provided for free and reduced-price meals and snacks, while paid meals
receive a lower reimbursement.receive a lower reimbursement.~~139~~151 Unlike the school meals programs, CACFP allows centers Unlike the school meals programs, CACFP allows centers
certain flexibilities for tracking meal counts and submitting claims for reimbursement.certain flexibilities for tracking meal counts and submitting claims for reimbursement.~~140~~152
Compared to school meals, CACFP centers are also less likely to collect meal payments from Compared to school meals, CACFP centers are also less likely to collect meal payments from
participants and more likely to incorporate meal costs into tuition. Centers are not required to participants and more likely to incorporate meal costs into tuition. Centers are not required to
adjust tuition and fees to account for CACFP funding. Centers are also allowed to charge families adjust tuition and fees to account for CACFP funding. Centers are also allowed to charge families
separately for meals and snacks, as long as there are no charges for children who qualify for free separately for meals and snacks, as long as there are no charges for children who qualify for free
meals and limited charges for those who qualify for reduced-price meals.meals and limited charges for those who qualify for reduced-price meals.~~141~~153
CACFP Day Care Homes
Day care homes are private homes that provide nonresidential child care services. In general, any Day care homes are private homes that provide nonresidential child care services. In general, any
day care home that meets local, state, or federal child care standards may participate in CACFP. day care home that meets local, state, or federal child care standards may participate in CACFP.
Unlike centers, day care homes generally do not make eligibility determinations and receive the Unlike centers, day care homes generally do not make eligibility determinations and receive the
same reimbursement rate for every meal served. Day care homes located in a low-income area or same reimbursement rate for every meal served. Day care homes located in a low-income area or
with a low-income provider receive a higher, Tier I reimbursement rate (shown inwith a low-income provider receive a higher, Tier I reimbursement rate (shown in Table 87). To . To
receive the Tier I rate, the home must be located in an area in which at least 50% of children are receive the Tier I rate, the home must be located in an area in which at least 50% of children are
eligible for free or reduced-price meals or be operated by a provider whose household income eligible for free or reduced-price meals or be operated by a provider whose household income

~~its enrolled children, or if at least 25% of enrolled adults are Medicaid or Social Services Block Grant beneficiaries.~~
~~135~~ 147 Section 17(a)(2) and Section 17(t) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(2), (t)). Emergency shelters are Section 17(a)(2) and Section 17(t) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(a)(2), (t)). Emergency shelters are
facilities that provide temporary housing as defined in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. facilities that provide temporary housing as defined in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
§11351). §11351).
~~136~~148 7 C.F.R. §226.19; 7 C.F.R. §226.19a. 7 C.F.R. §226.19; 7 C.F.R. §226.19a.
~~137~~149 Section 17(c)(4) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(c)(4)); 7 C.F.R. §226.2. Section 17(c)(4) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(c)(4)); 7 C.F.R. §226.2.
~~138~~150 See definition of “free meal” at 7 C.F.R. §226.2. Statute provides categorical eligibility for adults who are members See definition of “free meal” at 7 C.F.R. §226.2. Statute provides categorical eligibility for adults who are members
of a household receiving assistance under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. §2011 et seq.) and recipients of of a household receiving assistance under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. §2011 et seq.) and recipients of
SSI or Medicaid. Section 17(o)(5) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(o)(5)). Also see a summary of CACFP SSI or Medicaid. Section 17(o)(5) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(o)(5)). Also see a summary of CACFP
eligibility rules at the USDA-FNS website, http://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/why-cacfp-important. eligibility rules at the USDA-FNS website, http://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/why-cacfp-important.
~~139~~151 Section 17(c) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(c)). Section 17(c) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(c)).
~~140~~152 7 C.F.R. §226.9. Also see USDA-FNS 7 C.F.R. §226.9. Also see USDA-FNS, Independent Child Care Centers Handbook: A CACFP Handbook, May , May
2014, pp. 46-51, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/cacfp-handbooks. 2014, pp. 46-51, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/cacfp-handbooks.
~~141~~153 7 C.F.R. §226.6(f)(1)(i). Also see USDA-FNS 7 C.F.R. §226.6(f)(1)(i). Also see USDA-FNS, Independent Child Care Centers Handbook: A CACFP Handbook, ,
May 2014, pp. 18-19, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/cacfp-handbooks. May 2014, pp. 18-19, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/cacfp-handbooks.
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level meets the free or reduced-price income standards. level meets the free or reduced-price income standards.~~142~~154 Day care homes that do not qualify for Day care homes that do not qualify for
Tier I rates receiveTier I rates receive Tier II (lower) rates. However, Tier II providers may seek the higher Tier I Tier II (lower) rates. However, Tier II providers may seek the higher Tier I
subsidies for individual low-income children for whom household income information is subsidies for individual low-income children for whom household income information is
collected and verified. collected and verified.
Like centers, CACFP-participating day care homes may incorporate meal costs into tuition. Like centers, CACFP-participating day care homes may incorporate meal costs into tuition.
Unlike centers, federal rules prohibit any separate meal charges.Unlike centers, federal rules prohibit any separate meal charges.~~143~~155
Table 87. Reimbursement Rates: CACFP Centers and Day Care Homes
Per-Meal/Snack Reimbursement for the 48 Contiguous States Per-Meal/Snack Reimbursement for the 48 Contiguous States, and the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia, ~~and U.S.~~
~~Territories,~~ School Year School Year ~~2021-2022~~2023-2024

Breakfast
Lunch/Supper
Snack
Centers
Free Free
$ $~~1.97~~
~~$3.66~~
~~$1.00~~2.28 $4.25 $1.17
Reduced-price Reduced-price
$1. $1.6798
$3. $3.2685
$0. $0.5058
Paid Paid
$0. $0.3338
$0. $0.3540
$0. $0.0910
Day Care Homes
Tier I Tier I
$1. $1.40
~~$2.63~~
~~$0.78~~65 $3.12 $0.93
Tier II Tier II
$0. $0.5159
$1. $1.5988
$0. $0.21
~~Source~~25 Sources: USDA FNS, “CACFP: National Average Payment Rates, Day Care Home Food Service Payment Rates, USDA FNS, “CACFP: National Average Payment Rates, Day Care Home Food Service Payment Rates,
and Administrative Reimbursement Rates for Sponsoring Organizations of Day Care Homes for the Period July and Administrative Reimbursement Rates for Sponsoring Organizations of Day Care Homes for the Period July
1, 1, ~~2021~~2023 Through June 30, Through June 30, ~~2022,” 86~~2024,” 88 Federal Register ~~35731~~43264, July 7, , July 7, ~~2021. Rates shown in the table apply to the~~
~~U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam; separate rates are provided for Alaska and Hawaii~~2023. Separate rates are provided for Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For historical . For historical
program reimbursement rates, see http://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/reimbursement-rates. program reimbursement rates, see http://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/reimbursement-rates.
~~Notes~~Note: Table does not show monthly administrative payments to sponsoring organizations of day care homes. Table does not show monthly administrative payments to sponsoring organizations of day care homes.
Nutrition Standards and Food Service
Nutrition Standards
In addition to nutrition standards for school foods, the HHFKA required the Secretary of In addition to nutrition standards for school foods, the HHFKA required the Secretary of
Agriculture to update CACFP’s meal patterns. USDA’s final rule, effective October 1, 2017, Agriculture to update CACFP’s meal patterns. USDA’s final rule, effective October 1, 2017,
revised the meal patterns for meals and snacks served in centers and day care homes.revised the meal patterns for meals and snacks served in centers and day care homes.~~144~~156 It also It also
aligned nutrition standards for meals served to preschool-aged children through NSLP and SBP. aligned nutrition standards for meals served to preschool-aged children through NSLP and SBP.

~~142~~ For infants (under 12 months of age), the new meal patterns eliminated juice, encouraged breastfeeding, and set guidelines for the introduction of solid foods, among other changes. For 154 Section 17(f)(3)(A)(ii)(I) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(f)(3)(A)(ii)(I)). Sponsoring organizations may Section 17(f)(3)(A)(ii)(I) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1766(f)(3)(A)(ii)(I)). Sponsoring organizations may
use school data (provided by the state agency) to demonstrate that at least 50% of children in the day care home’s area use school data (provided by the state agency) to demonstrate that at least 50% of children in the day care home’s area
are eligible for free/reduced-price meals, or use Census data (provided by FNS) to demonstrate that at least 50% of are eligible for free/reduced-price meals, or use Census data (provided by FNS) to demonstrate that at least 50% of
children in the area are members of households that meet the income standards for free or reduced-price meals. See children in the area are members of households that meet the income standards for free or reduced-price meals. See
USDA-FNS, USDA-FNS, Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs, CACFP04-2017, December 1, 2016, , CACFP04-2017, December 1, 2016,
https://www.fns.usda.gov/area-eligibility-child-nutrition-programs. https://www.fns.usda.gov/area-eligibility-child-nutrition-programs.
~~143~~155 7 C.F.R. §226.18(d). 7 C.F.R. §226.18(d).
~~144~~156 USDA-FNS, “Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free USDA-FNS, “Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free
Kids Act of 2010: Final Rule,” 81 Kids Act of 2010: Final Rule,” 81 Federal Register 24348 et seq., April 25, 2016, https://www.federalregister.gov/ 24348 et seq., April 25, 2016, https://www.federalregister.gov/
documents/2016/04/25/2016-09412/child-and-adult-care-food-program-meal-pattern-revisions-related-to-the-healthy-documents/2016/04/25/2016-09412/child-and-adult-care-food-program-meal-pattern-revisions-related-to-the-healthy-
hunger-free-kids-act. hunger-free-kids-act.
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~~For infants (under 12 months of age), the new meal patterns eliminated juice, encouraged~~
~~breastfeeding, and set guidelines for the introduction of solid foods, among other changes. For~~
children ages one and older and adult participants, the new meal patterns increased whole grains, children ages one and older and adult participants, the new meal patterns increased whole grains,
fruits, and vegetables, limited milk to certain fruits, and vegetables, limited milk to certain ~~varieties145~~varieties157, limited sugar in cereals and yogurts, and , limited sugar in cereals and yogurts, and
prohibited deep-fried foods. They also required that potable water be available to children prohibited deep-fried foods. They also required that potable water be available to children
throughout the day. throughout the day.
Procurement and Meal Service
CACFP institutions may purchase their own foods and prepare their own meals, or they may CACFP institutions may purchase their own foods and prepare their own meals, or they may
contract with a school or a food service management company that prepares meals for them. In contract with a school or a food service management company that prepares meals for them. In
either case, institutions must comply with federal, state, and local procurement regulations.either case, institutions must comply with federal, state, and local procurement regulations.~~146~~158 As As
noted previously, CACFP institutions also receive a certain amount of USDA Foods. noted previously, CACFP institutions also receive a certain amount of USDA Foods.
Meals must comply with state or local health, safety, and sanitation requirements for storing, Meals must comply with state or local health, safety, and sanitation requirements for storing,
preparing, and serving food, and institutions must acquire annual food safety inspections. Family-preparing, and serving food, and institutions must acquire annual food safety inspections. Family-
style meal service is encouraged in CACFP.style meal service is encouraged in CACFP.~~147~~159
Summer ~~Meals~~Food
The SFSP and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) provide federal reimbursements for summer The SFSP and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) provide federal reimbursements for summer
meals.meals.160 SFSP is open to school food authorities, local public agencies, and private nonprofit SFSP is open to school food authorities, local public agencies, and private nonprofit
organizations, while SSO is specifically for school food authorities, allowing them to continue organizations, while SSO is specifically for school food authorities, allowing them to continue
operating under certain NSLP/SBP requirements into the summer. The programs share many of operating under certain NSLP/SBP requirements into the summer. The programs share many of
the same requirements, including a requirement that children consume meals onsitethe same requirements, including a requirement that children consume meals onsite (—known as the known as the
“congregate feeding” requirement“congregate feeding” requirement~~).148 In recent years, the federal government has tested~~
~~alternatives to congregate feeding~~—except in rural areas (discussed further below).161 Summer food benefits for households with school-age children are also available through the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children through the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children
(Summer EBT) (Summer EBT) ~~demonstration in select states.~~ program, which was permanently authorized by the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-328). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer During the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer
meals programs were used during the school year to facilitate free meal service (not discussed in meals programs were used during the school year to facilitate free meal service (not discussed in
this section).this section).~~149~~
~~Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)~~
~~The SFSP provides federal aid to school food authorities and other local public and nonprofit~~
~~organizations that serve meals and snacks to children during the summer months.150 Federal aid is~~
~~provided in the form of per-meal cash reimbursements and a smaller amount of commodity foods~~

~~145~~162 157 The original rule limited milk to unflavored whole milk for one-year-olds, unflavored low-fat (1%) or fat-free The original rule limited milk to unflavored whole milk for one-year-olds, unflavored low-fat (1%) or fat-free
(skim) milk for two- to five-year-olds, and flavored or unflavored fat-free milk or unflavored low fat milk for children (skim) milk for two- to five-year-olds, and flavored or unflavored fat-free milk or unflavored low fat milk for children
six years and older. For children ages six and older, flavored 1% milk is now allowed under USDA-FNS, “Child six years and older. For children ages six and older, flavored 1% milk is now allowed under USDA-FNS, “Child
Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium,” 87 Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium,” 87 Federal Register 6984, February 6984, February
7, 2022. 7, 2022.
~~146~~158 7 C.F.R. §226.22; USDA-FNS 7 C.F.R. §226.22; USDA-FNS, Independent Child Care Centers Handbook: A CACFP Handbook, May 2014, pp. , May 2014, pp.
38-39, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/cacfp-handbooks. 38-39, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/cacfp-handbooks.
~~147 Ibid, p. 37.~~
~~148 7 C.F.R. §225.6(e)(15). USDA issued waivers of this requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.~~
~~149 Pandemic response policies are discussed briefly in the “Background” section of this report and in detail in CRS~~
~~Report R46681, USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.~~
~~150 Sponsors may operate SFSP from May through September for children on school vacation. Sponsors may also~~
~~receive SFSP reimbursements for meals during unanticipated school closures, and sponsors administering SFSP under~~
~~a continuous school calendar system may operate SFSP at any time (7 C.F.R. §225.6(e)).~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~
33

~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~and administrative funds (discussed previously). The program serves roughly 2.5 million children~~
~~at nearly 50,000 meal sites in a typical summer.151~~159 Ibid, p. 37. 160 For an overview of summer meal benefits for children, see CRS In Focus IF11633, Summer Food for Children: An Overview of Federal Aid. 161 7 C.F.R. §225.6(e)(15). USDA issued waivers of this requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA has also provided exemptions from the congregate feeding requirement to SFSP and SSO outdoor meal sites experiencing excessive heat. 162 Pandemic response policies are discussed briefly in the “Background” section of this report and in detail in CRS Report R46681, USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Congressional Research Service 35 link to page 43 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) The SFSP provides federal aid to school food authorities and other local public and nonprofit organizations that serve meals and snacks to children during the summer months.163 Federal aid is provided in the form of per-meal cash reimbursements and a smaller amount of commodity foods and administrative funds (discussed previously). The program serves roughly 2.5 million children at around 40,000 meal sites in a typical summer.164
Similar to CACFP, SFSP is administered at the local level by sponsor organizations that operate Similar to CACFP, SFSP is administered at the local level by sponsor organizations that operate
the program at one or more meal sites (the physical location where food is served and eaten). All the program at one or more meal sites (the physical location where food is served and eaten). All
SFSP meal sites are required to have a sponsor. Sponsors may operate meal sites at a variety of SFSP meal sites are required to have a sponsor. Sponsors may operate meal sites at a variety of
locations, including schools, recreation centers, parks, churches, and public libraries. locations, including schools, recreation centers, parks, churches, and public libraries.
Unlike the other child nutrition programs, SFSP participation is generally limited (with the Unlike the other child nutrition programs, SFSP participation is generally limited (with the
exception of camps) to meal sites that serve children from “areas in which poor economic exception of camps) to meal sites that serve children from “areas in which poor economic
conditions exist”—defined as areas or sites in which at least 50% of children are eligible for free conditions exist”—defined as areas or sites in which at least 50% of children are eligible for free
and reduced-price school meals (discussed further below).and reduced-price school meals (discussed further below).~~152~~165
Administration
The following public and private nonprofit institutions are eligible to participate in SFSP as The following public and private nonprofit institutions are eligible to participate in SFSP as
sponsors: sponsors:
• nonprofit organizations, nonprofit organizations,
• school food authorities, school food authorities,
• state and local governments (including tribal governments), state and local governments (including tribal governments),
• public or nonprofit summer camps (overnight and day camps), and public or nonprofit summer camps (overnight and day camps), and
• public or nonprofit colleges and universities participating in the National Youth public or nonprofit colleges and universities participating in the National Youth
Sports Program. Sports Program.~~153~~
~~Eligible sponsors must also provide year-round services to the community, with limited~~
~~exceptions.154 According to statute, when selecting sponsors, states must give priority to school~~
~~food authorities, public and nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated successful program~~
~~performance in a prior year, new public sponsors, and new nonprofit sponsors (in that order).~~
~~States must also prioritize sponsors located in rural areas.155~~
~~Sponsors are responsible for selecting meal sites, distributing meals to sites, and monitoring~~
~~sites.156 Officials at meal sites are responsible for distributing meals to children, monitoring the~~

~~151~~166 Figure 8 displays the proportion of summer meal sponsors by institution type. 163 Sponsors may operate SFSP from May through September for children on school vacation. Sponsors may also receive SFSP reimbursements for meals during unanticipated school closures, and sponsors administering SFSP under a continuous school calendar system may operate SFSP at any time (7 C.F.R. §225.6(e)). 164 USDA-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023. Participation data prior to the COVID-19 pandemic from USDA-FNS, “November Keydata Report (September Participation data prior to the COVID-19 pandemic from USDA-FNS, “November Keydata Report (September
2019 data),” December 13, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/november-keydata-report-september-2019-data. 2019 data),” December 13, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/november-keydata-report-september-2019-data.
According to a May 2018 GAO report, estimates of participation in SFSP may be unreliable because they have been According to a May 2018 GAO report, estimates of participation in SFSP may be unreliable because they have been
calculated inconsistently across states and years. See U.S. Government Accountability Office, calculated inconsistently across states and years. See U.S. Government Accountability Office, Actions Needed to
Improve Participation Estimates and Address Program Challenges, GAO-18-369, May 2018, https://www.gao.gov/ GAO-18-369, May 2018, https://www.gao.gov/
products/GAO-18-369. products/GAO-18-369.
~~152~~165 Section 13(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. §1761(a)). Section 13(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. §1761(a)).
~~153~~166 Section 13(a)(7) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(7)). “Nonprofit” means tax exempt under Section Section 13(a)(7) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(7)). “Nonprofit” means tax exempt under Section
501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (7 C.F.R. §225.2). While SFSP sponsors are limited to nonprofit or public 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (7 C.F.R. §225.2). While SFSP sponsors are limited to nonprofit or public
institutions, state agencies may approve open meal sites located at a for-profit institution. Federal funding for the institutions, state agencies may approve open meal sites located at a for-profit institution. Federal funding for the
National Youth Sports Program expired in 2006 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Youth Sports Program expired in 2006 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Health, Assistant Secretary for Health, The National Youth Sports Strategy, October 2019, p. 31, https://health.gov/sites/October 2019, p. 31, https://health.gov/sites/
default/files/2019-10/National_Youth_Sports_Strategy.pdf). default/files/2019-10/National_Youth_Sports_Strategy.pdf).
~~154 Residential camps are not subject to this requirement. Section 13(a)(3)(D) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C.~~
~~§1761(a)(3)(D)).~~
~~155 Section 13(a)(4) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(4)).~~
~~156~~Congressional Research Service 36 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding Figure 8. Summer Meal Sponsors by Type, 2018 Estimated Percentage of Sponsors in SFSP and SSO by Organization Type Source: USDA-FNS, USDA Summer Meals Study Volume 2. Sponsor and Site Operational Characteristics, prepared by Westat, October 2021, pp. 3-4 to 3-7, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-summer-meals-study. Notes: Numbers may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Eligible sponsors must also provide year-round services to the community, with limited exceptions.167 In addition, all sponsors except camps must “conduct a regularly scheduled food service for children from areas in which poor economic conditions exist” (discussed further in the next section).168 According to statute, when selecting sponsors, states must give priority to school food authorities, public and nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated successful program performance in a prior year, new public sponsors, and new nonprofit sponsors (in that order). States must also prioritize sponsors located in rural areas.169 Sponsors are responsible for selecting meal sites, distributing meals to sites, and monitoring sites.170 Officials at meal sites are responsible for distributing meals to children, monitoring the food service, and keeping track of meals served for reimbursement. At times, a sponsor may also be a site (for example, camps are both sponsors and meal sites). State administering agencies (often state departments of education) approve sponsors, distribute federal funds, and conduct reviews of sponsors and sites.171 State agencies receive SFSP funds for 167 Residential camps are not subject to this requirement. Section 13(a)(3)(D) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(3)(D)). 168 Section 13(a)(3)(C) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(3)(C)). 169 Section 13(a)(4) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(4)). 170 Most sponsors are responsible for overseeing 1-10 sites according to USDA-FNS, Most sponsors are responsible for overseeing 1-10 sites according to USDA-FNS, USDA Summer Meals Study
Volume 2. Sponsor and Site Operational Characteristics, prepared by Westat, October 2021, p. 3-1, , prepared by Westat, October 2021, p. 3-1,
https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-summer-meals-study. Sponsors must conduct at least one site visit during the first https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-summer-meals-study. Sponsors must conduct at least one site visit during the first
~~Congressional Research Service~~
34

~~link to page 12~~ ~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~food service, and keeping track of meals served for reimbursement. At times, a sponsor may also~~
~~be a site (for example, camps are both sponsors and meal sites).~~
~~State administering agencies (often state departments of education) approve sponsors, distribute~~
~~federal funds, and conduct reviews of sponsors and sites.157 State agencies receive SFSP funds for~~
week of program operation; review food service operations at least once during the first four weeks of program operation; and then maintain “a reasonable level of site monitoring” (7 C.F.R. §225.15(d)). 171 State agencies must review sponsors at least once every three years, with more frequent reviews of certain sponsors. Further details are available at 7 C.F.R. §225.7(d)(2)(ii). Congressional Research Service 37 link to page 15 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding administrative costs in addition to general child nutrition program administrative funds (discussed administrative costs in addition to general child nutrition program administrative funds (discussed
previously in the previously in the “Administrative Funds” section). section).
FNS distributes funds and commodities to state agencies, oversees states’ implementation of FNS distributes funds and commodities to state agencies, oversees states’ implementation of
SFSP, and provides guidance and technical assistance to states and participating institutions. SFSP, and provides guidance and technical assistance to states and participating institutions.
~~Types of Summer Meal Sponsors and Sites~~
~~A USDA study of a nationally representative sample of SFSP and SSO sponsors and meal sites in summer 2018~~
~~found that the majority of sponsors were school food authorities (69%) and nonprofit organizations (25%).~~
~~Common meal sites included schools, recreation/community centers, and day camps.158~~
~~Three-quarters of sponsors chose to operate SFSP and one-quarter operated SSO.159~~
~~Eligibility and Reimbursement~~
~~According to statute, all sponsors except camps must “conduct a regularly scheduled food service~~
~~for children from areas in which poor economic conditions exist.”160 SFSP regulations establish~~
~~different eligibility rules for different types of meal sites. Open sites are the most common type of~~
~~site, comprising an estimated 83% of summer meal sites in summer 2018.161~~
Open sites are ~~meal sites that are open to all children in the community.162~~Eligibility and Reimbursement SFSP’s eligibility and reimbursement rules differ for different types of areas and meal sites. Rural areas: As a result of the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-328), sponsors may provide free meals for off-site consumption (i.e., pick-up or delivery) to children in rural areas172 if (1) the area is also considered low-income (defined as at least 50% of children qualifying for free or reduced-price school meals)173 or (2) the individual child qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals.174 Sponsors may receive reimbursement for up to two meals, or one meal and one snack, per child daily (however, sponsors may seek state approval to distribute up to 10 days worth of meals at a time). This policy became effective in summer 2023. Open sites are meal sites that are open to all children in the community.175 Open sites are the most common type of site, comprising an estimated 83% of summer meal sites in summer 2018.176 In order to participate In order to participate
in SFSP, open sites must be located in an area in which at least 50% of the children would be in SFSP, open sites must be located in an area in which at least 50% of the children would be
eligible for free or reduced-price school meals as demonstrated through school data, Census data, eligible for free or reduced-price school meals as demonstrated through school data, Census data,
or other approved data sources.or other approved data sources.~~163~~177 Meals must be served free to all children at these sites, and the Meals must be served free to all children at these sites, and the
sponsor of the site receives reimbursement for every meal served (up to two meals or one meal sponsor of the site receives reimbursement for every meal served (up to two meals or one meal
and one snack per child daily). and one snack per child daily).
Closed enrolled sites are meal sites (other than camps) that only serve enrolled children. In order are meal sites (other than camps) that only serve enrolled children. In order
for the site to participate in SFSP, at least 50% of the enrolledfor the site to participate in SFSP, at least 50% of the enrolled children must qualify for free or children must qualify for free or

~~week of program operation; review food service operations at least once during the first four weeks of program~~
~~operation; and then maintain “a reasonable level of site monitoring” (7 C.F.R. §225.15(d)).~~
~~157 State agencies must review sponsors at least once every three years, with more frequent reviews of certain sponsors.~~
~~Further details are available at 7 C.F.R. §225.7(d)(2)(ii).~~
~~158 USDA-FNS, USDA Summer Meals Study Volume 2. Sponsor and Site Operational Characteristics, prepared by~~
~~Westat, October 2021, pp. 3-4 to 3-7, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-summer-meals-study.~~
~~159 Ibid. The most common reasons for selecting SFSP over SSO were a preference for SFSP’s nutrition standards and~~
~~reimbursement rates.~~
~~160 Section 13(a)(3)(C) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(3)(C)).~~
~~161~~reduced-price school meals based on the submission of a household application or other documentation.178 Like open sites, meals are served free to all children and the sponsor receives reimbursement for every meal served (up to two meals or one meal and one snack per child daily). Camps include residential and day camps that provide organized programs for enrolled children. Unlike open and closed enrolled sites, camps do not have to demonstrate that a certain percentage of children meet the free and reduced-price eligibility standards in order to participate in SFSP. 172 SFSP regulations define rural at 7 C.F.R. §225.2. USDA-FNS publishes a map of such rural areas at USDA-FNS, “Rural Designations,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/rural-designation. 173 USDA-FNS, “Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs,” SP 08-2017, CACFP 04-2017, SFSP 03-2017, December 1, 2016, https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cn/SP08_CACFP04_SFSP03-2017os.pdf. 174 USDA-FNS, “Implementation Guidance: Summer 2023 Non-Congregate Meal Service in Rural Areas – Revised,” February 28, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/implementation-guidance-summer-2023-non-congregate-meal-service-rural-areas. 175 ~~USDA-FNS, USDA Summer Meals Study Volume 2. Sponsor and Site Operational Characteristics, prepared by~~
~~Westat, October 2021, p. 3-7, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-summer-meals-study.~~
~~162~~ Open sites may become “restricted open sites” if they need to restrict attendance for reasons related to security, Open sites may become “restricted open sites” if they need to restrict attendance for reasons related to security,
safety, or control (7 C.F.R. §225.2). According to USDA guidance, sponsors of restricted open sites must publicly safety, or control (7 C.F.R. §225.2). According to USDA guidance, sponsors of restricted open sites must publicly
announce the restriction. USDA-FNS, announce the restriction. USDA-FNS, Administration Guide: Summer Food Service Program, September 2016, p. 12, September 2016, p. 12,
https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/handbooks. https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/handbooks.
~~163~~176 USDA-FNS, USDA Summer Meals Study Volume 2. Sponsor and Site Operational Characteristics, prepared by Westat, October 2021, p. 3-7, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-summer-meals-study. 177 Section 13(a)(1)(A) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(1)(A)). For more information on area eligibility, see USDA- Section 13(a)(1)(A) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(1)(A)). For more information on area eligibility, see USDA-
FNS, “Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs,” SP 08-2017, CACFP 04-2017, SFSP 03-2017, December 1, 2016, FNS, “Area Eligibility in Child Nutrition Programs,” SP 08-2017, CACFP 04-2017, SFSP 03-2017, December 1, 2016,
https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cn/SP08_CACFP04_SFSP03-2017os.pdf. https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cn/SP08_CACFP04_SFSP03-2017os.pdf.
178 7 C.F.R. §225.15(f). Congressional Research ServiceCongressional Research Service
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~~reduced-price school meals based on the submission of a household application or other~~
~~documentation.164 Like open sites, meals are served free to all children and the sponsor receives~~
~~reimbursement for every meal served (up to two meals or one meal and one snack per child~~
~~daily).~~
Camps include residential and day camps that provide organized programs for enrolled children.
~~Unlike open and closed enrolled sites, camps do not have to demonstrate that a certain percentage~~
~~of children meet the free and reduced-price eligibility standards in order to participate in SFSP.~~
Instead, eligibility works like NSLP and SBP: camps make eligibility determinations using Instead, eligibility works like NSLP and SBP: camps make eligibility determinations using
similar income and categorical eligibility criteria for free and reduced-price meals. However, similar income and categorical eligibility criteria for free and reduced-price meals. However,
unlike the school meals programs, camps receive the same reimbursement rate for free and unlike the school meals programs, camps receive the same reimbursement rate for free and
reduced-price meals. Camps may receive reimbursement for up to three meals or two meals and reduced-price meals. Camps may receive reimbursement for up to three meals or two meals and
one snack per eligible child daily. Camps are not required to serve meals for free to all children, one snack per eligible child daily. Camps are not required to serve meals for free to all children,
and there is no paid reimbursement provided for full-price meals. and there is no paid reimbursement provided for full-price meals.
Migrant sites must demonstrate that they predominantly serve migrant children as certified by a must demonstrate that they predominantly serve migrant children as certified by a
migrant organization or a sponsor. They follow the same eligibility and reimbursement rules as migrant organization or a sponsor. They follow the same eligibility and reimbursement rules as
open sites, except that they may receive reimbursement for up to three meals or two meals and open sites, except that they may receive reimbursement for up to three meals or two meals and
one snack per child daily. one snack per child daily.
SFSP reimbursement rates (inflation-adjusted rates displayed i SFSP reimbursement rates (inflation-adjusted rates displayed in Table 98) are based on a statutory are based on a statutory
formula that takes into account operating costs (e.g., food, storage, and labor costs) and formula that takes into account operating costs (e.g., food, storage, and labor costs) and
administrative costs.administrative costs.~~165~~179 While such factors are taken into account in calculating the rates, once While such factors are taken into account in calculating the rates, once
sponsors receive the funds they can use them for any allowable program cost. Higher sponsors receive the funds they can use them for any allowable program cost. Higher
reimbursements are provided for sponsors of rural meal sites and “self-preparation” sites (meal reimbursements are provided for sponsors of rural meal sites and “self-preparation” sites (meal
sites in which a sponsor rather than vendor prepares food). sites in which a sponsor rather than vendor prepares food).
Table 98. Reimbursement Rates: SFSP
Per-Meal/Snack Reimbursement Rates for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia, Per-Meal/Snack Reimbursement Rates for the 48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia,
Calendar Year Calendar Year ~~2022~~2023

Breakfast Lunch/Supper
Snack
Rural or Self-Prep Rural or Self-Prep
$2. $2.6183
$4. $4.5695
$1. $1.1017
All Other Sites All Other Sites
$2. $2.5677
$4. $4.4987
$1. $1.0514
Source: For program reimbursement rates as well as Alaska’s and Hawaii’s rates, see USDA-FNS, “Summer For program reimbursement rates as well as Alaska’s and Hawaii’s rates, see USDA-FNS, “Summer
Food Service Program: Food Service Program: ~~2022~~2023 Reimbursement Rates,” Reimbursement Rates,” 8788 Federal Register ~~1107~~1039, January , January ~~10, 2022.~~
~~Note~~6, 2023. Notes: Rates are rounded to the nearest cent. “Rural” means “(a) any area in a county which is not a part of a Rates are rounded to the nearest cent. “Rural” means “(a) any area in a county which is not a part of a
Metropolitan Statistical Area or (b) any ‘pocket’ within a Metropolitan Statistical Area” that is geographically Metropolitan Statistical Area or (b) any ‘pocket’ within a Metropolitan Statistical Area” that is geographically
isolated from urban areas (7 C.F.R. 225.2). “Self-Prep” means that meals are prepared by the sponsor or site isolated from urban areas (7 C.F.R. 225.2). “Self-Prep” means that meals are prepared by the sponsor or site
(and not by a vendor). (and not by a vendor).
Nutrition Standards
Meals and snacks served through SFSP must meet federal nutrition standards. In contrast to the Meals and snacks served through SFSP must meet federal nutrition standards. In contrast to the
child nutrition programs discussed thus far, SFSP’s nutrition standards are not required to align child nutrition programs discussed thus far, SFSP’s nutrition standards are not required to align
with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, but are “prescribed by the Secretary on the basis of with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, but are “prescribed by the Secretary on the basis of

~~164 7 C.F.R. §225.15(f).~~
~~165~~tested nutritional research.”180 Program regulations outline the nutrition standards for breakfasts, lunches/suppers, and snacks.181 The standards prescribe minimum servings of fruits and vegetables, meats/meat alternatives, breads/bread alternatives, and milk. Unlike school meals and CACFP, there are no limits on calories, saturated and trans fats, and milk varieties in SFSP. Participating school food authorities may instead choose to use the NSLP and/or SBP nutrition standards for SFSP.182 179 The authority for operating cost reimbursements is provided in Section 13(b)(1) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. The authority for operating cost reimbursements is provided in Section 13(b)(1) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C.
§1761(b)(1)), and the authority for the administrative cost reimbursement is provided in Section 13(b)(3) of the NSLA §1761(b)(1)), and the authority for the administrative cost reimbursement is provided in Section 13(b)(3) of the NSLA
(42 U.S.C. §1761(b)(3)). (42 U.S.C. §1761(b)(3)).
180 Section 13(f) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(f)). 181 7 C.F.R. §225.16(d). 182 7 C.F.R. §225.16(f). Congressional Research ServiceCongressional Research Service
36 39

link to page link to page 2427 link to page link to page 1113 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding

~~tested nutritional research.”166 Program regulations outline the nutrition standards for breakfasts,~~
~~lunches/suppers, and snacks.167 The standards prescribe minimum servings of fruits and~~
~~vegetables, meats/meat alternatives, breads/bread alternatives, and milk. Unlike school meals and~~
~~CACFP, there are no limits on calories, saturated and trans fats, and milk varieties in SFSP.~~
~~Participating school food authorities may instead choose to use the NSLP and/or SBP nutrition~~
~~standards for SFSP.168~~
Meal Service
As noted, children are required to consume meals onsite in SFSP. There are also requirements As noted, children are required to consume meals onsite in SFSP. There are also requirements
around the timing of meals in SFSP: there must be at least three hours between meal or snack around the timing of meals in SFSP: there must be at least three hours between meal or snack
services and four hours between lunch and dinner if there is no snack served.services and four hours between lunch and dinner if there is no snack served.~~169~~183 Like the other Like the other
child nutrition programs, SFSP sponsors must comply with local or state health and sanitation child nutrition programs, SFSP sponsors must comply with local or state health and sanitation
requirements. requirements.
Seamless Summer Option (SSO)
School food authorities may participate in SFSP, or they can choose to offer summer meals School food authorities may participate in SFSP, or they can choose to offer summer meals
through SSO. SSO allows school food authorities to continue operating under certain NSLP/SBP through SSO. SSO allows school food authorities to continue operating under certain NSLP/SBP
requirements into the summer.requirements into the summer.~~170~~184 For example, it allows them to use the school meals programs’ For example, it allows them to use the school meals programs’
nutrition standards, administrative review process, and reimbursement rates (senutrition standards, administrative review process, and reimbursement rates (see Table 54 for for
NSLP/SBP reimbursement rates). Other requirements are the same as SFSP, including NSLP/SBP reimbursement rates). Other requirements are the same as SFSP, including rural area and site site
eligibility rules.eligibility rules.~~171~~185 School food authorities are the only eligible sponsor in SSO, but they can School food authorities are the only eligible sponsor in SSO, but they can
operate the program at a variety of meal sites (e.g., parks, recreation centers, libraries). operate the program at a variety of meal sites (e.g., parks, recreation centers, libraries).
The school lunch and breakfast reimbursement rates used in SSO are lower than SFSP’s The school lunch and breakfast reimbursement rates used in SSO are lower than SFSP’s
reimbursement rates. However, school food authorities participating in SSO also receive the reimbursement rates. However, school food authorities participating in SSO also receive the
NSLP commodity reimbursement (discussed in the NSLP commodity reimbursement (discussed in the “Commodity Assistance” section). School food authorities may also have a reduced administrative burden under SSO. A 2018 study by USDA found that three-quarters of sponsors operated SFSP and one-quarter operated SSO.186 Summer EBT Following a more than decade-long demonstration (discussed below), the Summer EBT program was given permanent authorization by the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-328), which gave all states and territories and some ITOs the option to operate Summer EBT starting in summer 2024. According to the law, participating jurisdictions are to distribute federal funds to eligible households—in an amount of $40 per child per month during the summer—which households can redeem at SNAP-authorized retailers for groceries. Children who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year will be automatically enrolled in the program (though families may opt out). States participating in the program must also establish an application process—using the same eligibility criteria as free or reduced-price school meals—for other children. P.L. 117-328 establishes separate program options for ITOs participating in WIC (some of whom previously operated the Summer EBT demonstration through WIC), territories that do not operate SNAP (American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands), and children who attend year-round schools. The law requires grantees to cover at least half of administrative costs and authorizes federal funding to cover the other half. 183~~section). School~~
~~food authorities may also have a reduced administrative burden under SSO.~~
~~Summer EBT and Other Demonstration Projects~~
~~Since summer 2011, USDA has operated Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children~~
~~(Summer EBT) demonstration projects in a limited number of states and Indian Tribal~~
~~Organizations.172 The project provides electronic food benefits to households with children~~
~~eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Depending on the site and year, either $30 or $60~~
~~per month is provided on an EBT card. States and jurisdictions may apply to administer the~~
~~project through SNAP or WIC. Participants in jurisdictions providing benefits through SNAP can~~
~~redeem benefits for SNAP-eligible foods at any SNAP-authorized retailer, while participants in~~

~~166 Section 13(f) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(f)).~~
~~167 7 C.F.R. §225.16(d).~~
~~168 7 C.F.R. §225.16(f).~~
~~169~~ In addition, suppers cannot be served after 7 p.m. without a waiver from the state agency. 7 C.F.R. §225.16(c). In addition, suppers cannot be served after 7 p.m. without a waiver from the state agency. 7 C.F.R. §225.16(c).
~~170~~184 Section 13(a)(8) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(8)). Section 13(a)(8) of the NSLA (codified at 42 U.S.C. §1761(a)(8)).
~~171~~185 For a comparison of SFSP and SSO, see USDA-FNS, “Comparison of Programs: SFSP/NSLP/Seamless Option,” For a comparison of SFSP and SSO, see USDA-FNS, “Comparison of Programs: SFSP/NSLP/Seamless Option,”
January 22, 2015, https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/SFSP_SeamlessComparisonChart.pdf. January 22, 2015, https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/SFSP_SeamlessComparisonChart.pdf.
~~172 In summer 2021, state grantees did not operate Summer EBT due to the availability of the Pandemic Electronic~~
~~Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. However, three tribes operated programs (Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, and~~
~~the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona).~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~
37186 USDA-FNS, USDA Summer Meals Study Volume 2. Sponsor and Site Operational Characteristics, prepared by Westat, October 2021, pp. 3-4 to 3-7, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/usda-summer-meals-study. Congressional Research Service 40

School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding

~~the WIC EBT jurisdictions are limited to a smaller set of eligible foods at WIC-authorized~~
~~retailers.173~~
Summer Meal Demonstration Projects Summer meal demonstration projects were first authorized and funded by the FY2010 Summer meal demonstration projects were first authorized and funded by the FY2010
appropriations law (P.L. 111-80).appropriations law (P.L. 111-80).~~174 Since FY2015, they have been funded in annual~~
~~appropriations acts (as of the cover date of this report). Although a number of approaches were~~
~~tested, findings~~187 Using such funds, USDA tested a number of summer meal delivery alternatives, including Summer EBT, food backpacks, food boxes, and meal delivery for children in rural areas.188 Findings from Summer EBT were among the most promising, showing significant impacts from Summer EBT were among the most promising, showing significant impacts
~~on reducing food insecurity and improving nutrient intake.175~~
~~Since the beginning of the demonstration, 14 states and tribes have operated Summer EBT~~
~~projects.176 In October 2018, FNS announced a new strategy for determining grant recipients in~~
~~FY2019 that prioritized statewide projects and projects that could operate for multiple~~
~~summers.177 Eight grantees were awarded funds to operate projects for three summers each~~
~~between 2019 and 2024: Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri,~~
~~and Oregon (prior grantees), as well as Wisconsin and the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (new~~
~~grantees).178~~
~~Other summer demonstrations projects have included food backpacks, food boxes, and meal~~
~~delivery for children in rural areas.179 In addition, since summer 2015 there has been a~~
~~demonstration project to provide exemptions from the congregate feeding requirement to SFSP~~
~~and Seamless Summer Option outdoor meal sites experiencing excessive heat.180~~

~~173 USDA-FNS,~~ ~~Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children (SEBTC) Demonstration: Summary Report, prepared~~
~~by Abt Associates Inc., May 2016, https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-electronic-benefit-transfer-children-sebtc-~~
~~demonstration-summary-report.~~
~~174~~on reducing food insecurity and improving nutrient intake.189 Starting in FY2015, appropriations acts designated summer meal demonstration funding for Summer EBT.190 Using appropriated funds, the Summer EBT demonstration operated during summers 2011-2023 in selected states and ITOs.191 The project provided electronic food benefits to households with children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Depending on the site and year, either $30 or $60 per month was provided on an EBT card. States and jurisdictions had the option to administer the project through SNAP or WIC. Participants in jurisdictions providing benefits through SNAP redeemed benefits for SNAP-eligible foods at SNAP-authorized retailers, while participants in the WIC EBT jurisdictions were limited to a smaller set of eligible foods at WIC-authorized retailers.192 Special Milk Program (SMP) SMP provides funding for milk served in approximately 1,700 schools, child care institutions, summer camps, and other institutions in FY2022.193 Generally, schools and other participating institutions may not participate in another child nutrition meal service program along with SMP. However, schools may administer SMP for pre-kindergartners and kindergartners who are in part-day sessions and do not have access to the school meals programs.194 187 Section 749(g) of P.L. 111-80. The FY2010 appropriation was $85 million, which funded demonstration activities in Section 749(g) of P.L. 111-80. The FY2010 appropriation was $85 million, which funded demonstration activities in
summers 2011 to 2014. summers 2011 to 2014. ~~Additional appropriations for summer demonstration projects have been provided in each of~~
~~FY2015 through FY2022. For more information, see CRS Report R45486,~~ ~~Child Nutrition Programs: Issues in the~~
~~115th Congress~~.
~~175~~For more information, see CRS Report R45486, Child Nutrition Programs: Issues in the 115th Congress. 188 For further discussion, see CRS In Focus IF11633, Summer Food for Children: An Overview of Federal Aid; USDA-FNS, “Enhanced Summer Food Service Program (eSFSP),” https://www.fns.usda.gov/ops/enhanced-summer-food-service-program-esfsp; and USDA-FNS, “USDA Highlights Success of Rural Summer Meals Delivery Project in Texas,” August 13, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/pressrelease/fns-001119. 189 Collins et al., Collins et al., Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (SEBTC) Demonstration: Evaluation Findings for
the Full Implementation Year, prepared by Abtprepared by Abt Associates, Mathematica Policy Research, andAssociates, Mathematica Policy Research, and Maximus (Alexandria, Maximus (Alexandria,
VA: USDA-FNS, 2013), p. 105. Improvements in food insecurity varied significantly between Summer EBT sites. For VA: USDA-FNS, 2013), p. 105. Improvements in food insecurity varied significantly between Summer EBT sites. For
evaluations of other approaches tested through the Enhanced Summer Food Service Program (eSFSP), see USDA-FNS, evaluations of other approaches tested through the Enhanced Summer Food Service Program (eSFSP), see USDA-FNS,
“Enhanced Summer Food Service Program,” November 8, 2013, https://www.fns.usda.gov/ops/enhanced-summer-“Enhanced Summer Food Service Program,” November 8, 2013, https://www.fns.usda.gov/ops/enhanced-summer-
food-service-program-esfsp. food-service-program-esfsp.
~~176 Connecticut, Cherokee Nation,~~ 190 Additional appropriations for Summer EBT have been provided in each of FY2015 through FY2023. 191 Grantees in various years included Connecticut, the Cherokee Nation, the Chickasaw Nation, Delaware, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Michigan, Chickasaw Nation, Delaware, the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Michigan,
Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. In summers 2021-2023, state grantees did not operate Summer EBT demonstrations due to the availability of the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. However, three tribes (the Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, and Inter Tribal Council of Arizona) operated Summer EBT demonstration projects. 192 For more information on the Summer EBT demonstration, see USDA-FNS, “2024~~Wisconsin.~~
~~177 Grants.gov,~~ ~~Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) Grant Program: Fiscal Year 2019~~
~~Request for Applications, USDA-FNS, October 31, 2018, https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?~~
~~oppId=310059.~~
~~178 USDA Office of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA), “2023~~ USDA Explanatory Notes – Food and Nutrition USDA Explanatory Notes – Food and Nutrition
~~Service,” p. 35-43, https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2023-FNS.pdf.~~
~~179 For further discussion, see CRS In Focus IF11633, Summer Meals for Children: An Overview of Federal Aid.~~
~~USDA-FNS, “Enhanced Summer Food Service Program (eSFSP),” https://www.fns.usda.gov/ops/enhanced-summer-~~
~~food-service-program-esfsp; and USDA-FNS, “USDA Highlights Success of Rural Summer Meals Delivery Project in~~
~~Texas,” August 13, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/pressrelease/fns-001119.~~
~~180 USDA-FNS, “Demonstration Project for Non-Congregate Feeding for Outdoor Summer Meal Sites Experiencing~~
~~Excessive Heat with Q&As,” SP 28-2019, SFSP 13-2019, May 29, 2019, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/~~
~~demonstration-project-non-congregate-feeding-outdoor-summer-meal-sites-experiencing.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~
38

~~link to page 43~~Service,” p. 35-49; and USDA-FNS, Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children (SEBTC) Demonstration: Summary Report, prepared by Abt Associates Inc., May 2016, https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-electronic-benefit-transfer-children-sebtc-demonstration-summary-report. 193 USDA-FNS, “National Level Annual Summary Tables FY1969-2021: Special Milk–Outlets and Milk Served,” April 7, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/child-nutrition-tables. 194 Section 3 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. §1772). Congressional Research Service 41 link to page 48 link to page 40 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding ~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~Special Milk Program (SMP)~~
~~SMP provides funding for milk served in more than 3,000 schools, child care institutions, summer~~
~~camps, and other institutions in a typical year.181 Generally, schools and other participating~~
~~institutions may not participate in another child nutrition meal service program along with SMP.~~
~~However, schools may administer SMP for pre-kindergartners and kindergartners who are in part-~~
~~day sessions and do not have access to the school meals programs.182~~
In SMP, participating institutions provide milk to children for free and/or at a subsidized paid In SMP, participating institutions provide milk to children for free and/or at a subsidized paid
price. Institutions are reimbursed differently based on whether they decide to provide milk for price. Institutions are reimbursed differently based on whether they decide to provide milk for
free to all children, sell milk to all children, or combine these options (provide free milk to free to all children, sell milk to all children, or combine these options (provide free milk to
eligible children and sell milk to other children) (seeeligible children and sell milk to other children) (see Table 109). If institutions choose the . If institutions choose the
combined option, they must establish eligibility rules for free milk.combined option, they must establish eligibility rules for free milk.~~183~~195
USDA updated the nutritional requirements for milk served in SMP alongside changes to the USDA updated the nutritional requirements for milk served in SMP alongside changes to the
CACFP nutrition standards.CACFP nutrition standards.~~184~~196 The final rule, which took effect on October 1, 2017, required The final rule, which took effect on October 1, 2017, required
unflavored whole milk for one-year-olds, unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free milk for unflavored whole milk for one-year-olds, unflavored low-fat (1%) or unflavored fat-free milk for
children ages 2-5, and unflavored low-fat (1%) or flavored/unflavored fat-free milk for children children ages 2-5, and unflavored low-fat (1%) or flavored/unflavored fat-free milk for children
ages six and older (a subsequent rule in February 2022 allows flavored low-fat milk for the six-ages six and older (a subsequent rule in February 2022 allows flavored low-fat milk for the six-
and-older age group).and-older age group).~~185~~197 The regulations also allowed for reimbursement of non-dairy milk The regulations also allowed for reimbursement of non-dairy milk
substitutes in cases of medical or special dietary needs. substitutes in cases of medical or special dietary needs.
Table 109. Reimbursement Rates: SMP
Per Half-Pint Reimbursement, 50 States and the District of Columbia, School Year Per Half-Pint Reimbursement, 50 States and the District of Columbia, School Year ~~2021-2022~~2023-2024
Free Milk to Low-

All Milk Served
Paid Milk
Income Children
Schools that only sell Schools that only sell
milk $0.26 ~~$0.22~~
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
~~milk~~
Schools that provide Schools that provide
only free milk $0.26 ~~$0.22~~
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
~~only free milk~~
Schools that sell milk Schools that sell milk
~~N/A~~
~~$0.22~~
Average cost per Average cost per
and provide free milk and provide free milk
N/A $0.26 half-pint of milk half-pint of milk
Source: USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs, National Average USDA-FNS, “National School Lunch, Special Milk, and School Breakfast Programs, National Average
Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates,” July Payments/Maximum Reimbursement Rates,” July ~~16, 2021, 86~~1, 2023, 88 Federal Register ~~37733~~43266. .
Note: The average cost per half-pint of milk is determined based on receipts submitted by the institution. The average cost per half-pint of milk is determined based on receipts submitted by the institution.

~~181 USDA-FNS, “National Level Annual Summary Tables FY1969-2021: Special Milk – Outlets and Milk Served,”~~
~~April 7, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/child-nutrition-tables.~~
~~182 Section 3 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. §1772).~~
~~183~~ After-School Meals and Snacks CACFP and NSLP both provide federal support for snacks and meals served during after-school programs.198 The CACFP At-Risk Afterschool component provides reimbursement for up to one snack and one meal (usually supper) per child daily, whereas the NSLP Afterschool Snack option provides reimbursement for snacks only. Reimbursement rates for CACFP At-Risk Afterschool meals/snacks and NSLP afterschool snacks are the same as CACFP reimbursement rates (listed in Table 7). 195 Institutions can set eligibility at or below the income threshold for free school meals (130% of the poverty line) (7 Institutions can set eligibility at or below the income threshold for free school meals (130% of the poverty line) (7
C.F.R. §215.13a). C.F.R. §215.13a).
~~184~~196 USDA-FNS, USDA-FNS, Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free
Kids Act of 2010, final rule, 81 , final rule, 81 Federal Register 24347, April 25, 2016, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/24347, April 25, 2016, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/
2016/04/25/2016-09412/child-and-adult-care-food-program-meal-pattern-revisions-related-to-the-healthy-hunger-free-2016/04/25/2016-09412/child-and-adult-care-food-program-meal-pattern-revisions-related-to-the-healthy-hunger-free-
kids-act. kids-act.
~~185~~197 Ibid; USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium,” 87 Ibid; USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Programs: Transitional Standards for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium,” 87
Federal Register 6984, February 7, 2022. 6984, February 7, 2022.
~~Congressional Research Service~~
39

~~link to page 36 link to page 34~~ ~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~After-School Meals and Snacks~~
~~CACFP and NSLP both provide federal support for snacks and meals served during after-school~~
~~programs.186 The CACFP At-Risk Afterschool component provides reimbursement for up to one~~
~~snack and one meal (usually supper) per child daily, whereas the NSLP Afterschool Snack option~~
~~provides reimbursement for snacks only. Reimbursement rates for CACFP At-Risk Afterschool~~
~~meals/snacks and NSLP afterschool snacks are the same as CACFP reimbursement rates (listed in~~
Table 8).198 The CACFP At-Risk Afterschool snack/meal program is authorized in Section 17(r) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1766(r)); the NSLP snack program is authorized in Section 17A of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1766a). Congressional Research Service 42 link to page 38 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding
CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Meals and Snacks
The CACFP At-Risk Afterschool component was authorized as a demonstration project in 1994 The CACFP At-Risk Afterschool component was authorized as a demonstration project in 1994
(P.L. 103-448), expanded over time, and made available to all states by the HHFKA.(P.L. 103-448), expanded over time, and made available to all states by the HHFKA.~~187~~199 At-Risk At-Risk
Afterschool meal providers include the same types of institutions that are eligible to become Afterschool meal providers include the same types of institutions that are eligible to become
CACFP centers (see the institutional eligibility rules in CACFP centers (see the institutional eligibility rules in ~~the~~ the “CACFP Centers” ~~section~~section); however, ); however,
they do not need to operate the child/day care component of CACFP in order to operate the At-they do not need to operate the child/day care component of CACFP in order to operate the At-
Risk Afterschool component. Additionally, At-Risk Afterschool providers must be located in Risk Afterschool component. Additionally, At-Risk Afterschool providers must be located in
areas where at least 50% of children in the community are eligible for free or reduced-price areas where at least 50% of children in the community are eligible for free or reduced-price
school meals.school meals.~~188~~200 The afterschool program must also have “an educational or enrichment The afterschool program must also have “an educational or enrichment
purpose.”purpose.”~~189~~201 Unlike the traditional CACFP, which is available to children ages 12 and under, the Unlike the traditional CACFP, which is available to children ages 12 and under, the
At-Risk Afterschool component allows participation through age 18. At-Risk Afterschool component allows participation through age 18.
Participating institutions receive reimbursement for up to one snack and one meal (e.g., supper) Participating institutions receive reimbursement for up to one snack and one meal (e.g., supper)
per child daily, and meals and snacks are provided for free to all children. Meals and snacks must per child daily, and meals and snacks are provided for free to all children. Meals and snacks must
meet federal nutrition standards.meet federal nutrition standards.~~190~~202 Institutions may operate the At-Risk Afterschool program in Institutions may operate the At-Risk Afterschool program in
the after-school hours and on weekends, holidays, and breaks during the school year. the after-school hours and on weekends, holidays, and breaks during the school year.
In In ~~recent years~~FY2022, the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool component , the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool component ~~has~~ served a daily average of served a daily average of ~~more~~
~~than 2~~3.1 million children. million children.~~191~~203
NSLP Afterschool Snacks
The NSLP Afterschool Snack option was authorized in the 1998 child nutrition reauthorization The NSLP Afterschool Snack option was authorized in the 1998 child nutrition reauthorization
act (P.L. 105-336). It allows NSLP-participating schools to receive federal reimbursement for one act (P.L. 105-336). It allows NSLP-participating schools to receive federal reimbursement for one
snack per child daily in eligible afterschool programs during the school year.snack per child daily in eligible afterschool programs during the school year.~~192~~204 According to According to
USDA guidance, eligible afterschool programs must provide “organized, regularly scheduled USDA guidance, eligible afterschool programs must provide “organized, regularly scheduled
activities in a structured and supervised environment,” including an educational or enrichment activities in a structured and supervised environment,” including an educational or enrichment
activity.activity.~~193~~

~~186 The CACFP At-Risk Afterschool snack/meal program is authorized in Section 17(r) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C.~~
~~§1766(r)); the NSLP snack program is authorized in Section 17A of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1766a).~~
~~187~~205 Schools that choose to operate the NSLP Afterschool Snack component may do so in one of two ways: (1) like the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool component, if at least 50% of children are eligible for free and reduced-price meals, the schools may provide free snacks to all children, or (2) if this criterion is not met, the schools may offer free, reduced-price, or full price snacks, based on household income eligibility (like the school meals programs). The vast majority of snacks provided through this program are under the first option.206 Snacks served through the NSLP Afterschool Snack component must comply with federal nutrition standards.207 199 Prior to HHFKA, 13 states were permitted to offer CACFP At-Risk After-School meals (instead of just a snack); the Prior to HHFKA, 13 states were permitted to offer CACFP At-Risk After-School meals (instead of just a snack); the
law allowed all CACFP state agencies to offer such meals. S.Rept. 111-178, p. 7. law allowed all CACFP state agencies to offer such meals. S.Rept. 111-178, p. 7.
~~188~~200 Emergency shelters do not need to meet this requirement. Emergency shelters do not need to meet this requirement.
~~189~~201 Section 17(r) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1766(r)). Section 17(r) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1766(r)).
~~190 7 C.F.R. §226.20.~~
~~191 FY2019 and FY2020 participation data acquired through CRS communication with USDA-FNS on January 2, 2019,~~
~~and March 22, 2021.~~
~~192~~202 7 C.F.R. §226.20. 203 CRS communication with USDA-FNS in November 2023. 204 Schools may also operate the NSLP Afterschool Snack component in the hours after summer school sessions. Schools may also operate the NSLP Afterschool Snack component in the hours after summer school sessions.
~~193~~205 USDA-FNS, “NSLP Afterschool Snack Service USDA-FNS, “NSLP Afterschool Snack Service – —FAQs,” November 2013, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/afterschool-snacks-faqs. 206 J. Guthrie, Feeding Children After School: The Expanding Role of USDA Child Nutrition Programs, USDA Economic Research Service, Amber Waves, March 1, 2012, https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2012/march/feeding-children-after-school. 207 7 C.F.R. §210.10(o). Congressional Research Service 43 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding ~~FAQs,” November 2013, https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~
40

~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

~~Schools that choose to operate the NSLP Afterschool Snack component may do so in one of two~~
~~ways: (1) like the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool component, if at least 50% of children are eligible~~
~~for free and reduced-price meals, the schools may provide free snacks to all children, or (2) if this~~
~~criterion is not met, the schools may offer free, reduced-price, or full price snacks, based on~~
~~household income eligibility (like the school meals programs). The vast majority of snacks~~
~~provided through this program are under the first option.194 Snacks served through the NSLP~~
~~Afterschool Snack component must comply with federal nutrition standards.195~~
In recent years, the NSLP Afterschool Snack component has served a daily average of roughly In recent years, the NSLP Afterschool Snack component has served a daily average of roughly 1
one million children.million children.~~196~~208
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)
FFVP provides formula grants to states to fund fresh fruit and vegetable snacks in selected FFVP provides formula grants to states to fund fresh fruit and vegetable snacks in selected
elementary schools.elementary schools.~~197~~209 Under a statutory formula, about half the funding is distributed equally to Under a statutory formula, about half the funding is distributed equally to
each state and the remainder is allocated by state population. States must prioritize funding for each state and the remainder is allocated by state population. States must prioritize funding for
schools with high proportions of students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. schools with high proportions of students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
Schools must participate in NSLP in order to receive a FFVP grant. States set annual per-student Schools must participate in NSLP in order to receive a FFVP grant. States set annual per-student
grant amounts (between $50 and $75). Schools may provide fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to grant amounts (between $50 and $75). Schools may provide fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to
students at any time of day outside of the breakfast or lunch service.students at any time of day outside of the breakfast or lunch service.~~198~~210 Schools offer snacks to all Schools offer snacks to all
children in attendance (regardless of family income). children in attendance (regardless of family income).
As noted previously, FFVP’s funding structure differs from the other child nutrition programs. As noted previously, FFVP’s funding structure differs from the other child nutrition programs.
FFVP is funded by a mandatory transfer of funds from Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935. FFVP is funded by a mandatory transfer of funds from Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935.
The authorizing law provided $150 million for school year 2011-2012, which is adjusted annually The authorizing law provided $150 million for school year 2011-2012, which is adjusted annually
for inflation.for inflation.~~199 For FY2022~~211 For FY2023, FNS allocated approximately $, FNS allocated approximately $~~233~~238 million (including carryover million (including carryover
funds) for FFVP to states.funds) for FFVP to states.~~200~~212
FFVP has been amended over time both by farm bills and by child nutrition reauthorization bills. FFVP has been amended over time both by farm bills and by child nutrition reauthorization bills.
FFVP was created by the 2002 farm bill (P.L. 107-171) as a pilot project. The 2004 child nutrition FFVP was created by the 2002 farm bill (P.L. 107-171) as a pilot project. The 2004 child nutrition
reauthorization act (P.L. 108-265) made the program permanent and provided funding for a reauthorization act (P.L. 108-265) made the program permanent and provided funding for a
limited number of states and Indian reservations. The 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246) expanded limited number of states and Indian reservations. The 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246) expanded
FFVP’s mandatory funding through Section 32 and enabled all states to participate in the FFVP’s mandatory funding through Section 32 and enabled all states to participate in the
program. The 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) essentially made no changes to FFVP but provided $5 program. The 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) essentially made no changes to FFVP but provided $5

~~afterschool-snacks-faqs.~~
~~194 J. Guthrie, Feeding Children After School: The Expanding Role of USDA Child Nutrition Programs, USDA~~
~~Economic Research Service, Amber Waves, March 1, 2012, https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2012/march/~~
~~feeding-children-after-school.~~
~~195 7 C.F.R. §210.10(o).~~
~~196~~million for a demonstration project to test offering frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables in the program. Four states (Alaska, Delaware, Kansas, and Maine) participated in the pilot in school year 2014-2015 and an evaluation was published in 2017.213 208 FY2019 data from USDA-FNS, “September 2020 Keydata Report,” January 27, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/ FY2019 data from USDA-FNS, “September 2020 Keydata Report,” January 27, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/
data/september-2020-keydata-report; FY2020 data from USDA-FNS, “March Keydata Report (November 2020 data),” data/september-2020-keydata-report; FY2020 data from USDA-FNS, “March Keydata Report (November 2020 data),”
March 12, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/march-keydata-report-november-2020-dataMarch 12, 2021, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/march-keydata-report-november-2020-data; FY2021 data from “September 2022 Keydata Report,” December 9, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/september-2022-keydata-report; FY2022 data from USDA-FNS, “June 2023 Keydata Report,” September 8, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/data/June-2023-keydata-report. 209.
~~197~~ Section 19 of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769a). FFVP currently operates according to statute and USDA guidance. Section 19 of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769a). FFVP currently operates according to statute and USDA guidance.
USDA-FNS issued a proposed rule in 2012 to codify statutory requirements in regulations, but a final rule has not been USDA-FNS issued a proposed rule in 2012 to codify statutory requirements in regulations, but a final rule has not been
published. published.
~~198~~210 USDA-FNS, USDA-FNS, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: A Handbook for Schools, December 2010, https://fns-December 2010, https://fns-
prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/handbook.pdf. prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/handbook.pdf.
~~199~~211 Section 19(i) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769a(i)). Section 19(i) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769a(i)).
~~200~~212 USDA-FNS, “Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP): Allocation of Funds for USDA-FNS, “Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP): Allocation of Funds for ~~FY2022~~FY2023,” June ,” June ~~1, 2021~~23, 2022, https://www.fns.usda.gov/ffvp/allocation-funds-fy-2023. 213 Briefel et al., Evaluation of the Pilot Project for Canned, Frozen, or Dried Fruits and Vegetables in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP-CFD), prepared by Mathematica Policy Research (Alexandria, VA: USDA-FNS, January 2017), https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/ops/FFVP-CFD.pdf. For more information on proposals to include,
~~https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/sp-14-2021.~~
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~~million for a demonstration project to test offering~~ frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables
~~in the program. Four states (Alaska, Delaware, Kansas, and Maine) participated in the pilot in~~
~~school year 2014-2015 and an evaluation was published in 2017.201~~in FFVP, see CRS Report R45486, Child Nutrition Programs: Issues in the 115th Congress. Congressional Research Service 44 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding
Other Child Nutrition Activities
Federal child nutrition laws authorize, and child nutrition funding supports, several additional Federal child nutrition laws authorize, and child nutrition funding supports, several additional
initiatives and activities, such as studies and evaluations, training and technical assistance, initiatives and activities, such as studies and evaluations, training and technical assistance,
technology improvements, and food safety initiatives.technology improvements, and food safety initiatives.~~202~~214 Selected initiatives and activities are Selected initiatives and activities are
discussed below.discussed below.
Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative In 2022, USDA (during the Biden Administration) announced that it would use $100 million in COVID-19 response funding under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) to implement a Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative.215 The initiative includes (1) grants for small and/or rural school food authorities to invest in staffing, training, and kitchen improvements, among other changes intended to improve nutrition in school meals,216 (2) School Food System Transformation Challenge grants to “stimulate innovation ... in the K-12 school food marketplace” through collaborative projects between school districts, food producers, suppliers, distributors, and/or community partners,217 (3) non-monetary recognition awards for school food authorities that have made significant improvements to nutrition in school meals,218 and (4) summits for grant recipients to share best practices. FNS contracted with four entities (Boise State University, Chef Ann Foundation, Full Plates Full Potential, and Illinois Public Health Institute) to carry out the School Food System Transformation Challenge grants and with Action for Healthy Kids to carry out the other three components of the initiative.219 Farm to School Program
The farm to school program, which includes grants to organizations, technical assistance, and The farm to school program, which includes grants to organizations, technical assistance, and
research, was authorized by the HHFKA in 2010.research, was authorized by the HHFKA in 2010.~~203~~220 It expanded upon FNS’s existing farm to 214 This section does not list all related child nutrition activities. For further details on these and other functions funded by the child nutrition programs account, see USDA-FNS, “2024 USDA Explanatory Notes–Food and Nutrition Service,” https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2024-FNS.pdf. 215 USDA-FNS, “Healthy Meals Incentives for Schools,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/healthy-meals-incentives. Broadly, Division N, Title VII, Section 751 of P.L. 116-260 provided funding for the Secretary of Agriculture “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus by providing support for agricultural producers, growers, and processors impacted by coronavirus, including producers and growers of specialty crops, non-specialty crops, dairy, livestock, and poultry, producers that supply local food systems, including farmers markets, restaurants, and schools.” According to USDA’s Request for Applications (RFA) for the subgrants, “the activities under this RFA are expected to result in increased demand for nutritious agricultural products and therefore benefit the producers that supply SFAs with these products.” 216 Action for Healthy Kids, “Healthy Meals Incentives Grants for Small and/or Rural School Food Authorities: Request for Applications,” April 6, 2023, https://healthymealsincentives.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HMI_SubGrantRFA_4623_FINAL.pdf. 217 USDA-FNS, “USDA Makes Available More Than $60 Million in School Meals, Launches New Partnership,” October 11, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-0207.33; USDA-FNS, “Development and Implementation of Healthy Meals Incentives School Food System Transformation Challenge Sub-Grants – Cooperative Agreement: Fiscal Year 2023 Request for Applications (RFA),” CFDA 10.579, November 10, 2022. 218 Ibid. This initiative is based in part on the previous USDA HealthierUS School Challenge (carried out under the Obama Administration), according to USDA-FNS, “2024 USDA Explanatory Notes–Food and Nutrition Service,” https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2024-FNS.pdf. 219 USDA-FNS, “Healthy Meals Incentives for Schools,” https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/healthy-meals-incentives. 220 Section 243 of P.L. 111-296, adding Section 18(g) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769(g)). Congressional Research Service 45 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding ~~It expanded upon FNS’s existing farm to~~
school efforts, defined broadly as “efforts that bring regionally and locally produced foods into school efforts, defined broadly as “efforts that bring regionally and locally produced foods into
school cafeterias,” with a focus on enhancing child nutrition.school cafeterias,” with a focus on enhancing child nutrition.~~204~~221 The goals of these efforts include The goals of these efforts include
increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among students, supporting local farmers and rural increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among students, supporting local farmers and rural
communities, and providing nutrition and agriculture education. The farm to school program has communities, and providing nutrition and agriculture education. The farm to school program has
mandatory funding of $5 million, which has been supplemented with discretionary funds in recent mandatory funding of $5 million, which has been supplemented with discretionary funds in recent
years.years.~~205~~222
One component of the farm to school program is farm to school grants, which are awarded by One component of the farm to school program is farm to school grants, which are awarded by
FNS on a competitive basis to schools, nonprofit entities, and agricultural producers and FNS on a competitive basis to schools, nonprofit entities, and agricultural producers and
processors for the purpose of establishing programs that improve schools’ access to locally processors for the purpose of establishing programs that improve schools’ access to locally
produced foods. They may be used for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing produced foods. They may be used for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing
equipment, developing school gardens, nutrition education, developing partnerships, and other equipment, developing school gardens, nutrition education, developing partnerships, and other
activities.activities.~~206 In FY2021~~223 In FY2023, FNS awarded $, FNS awarded $1210.7 million for million for ~~176~~103 grants, which were projected to serve grants, which were projected to serve
more than more than ~~6,800~~3,000 schools and 1. schools and 1.42 million students. million students.~~207~~

~~201 Briefel et al.,~~ ~~Evaluation of the Pilot Project for Canned, Frozen, or Dried Fruits and Vegetables in the Fresh Fruit~~
~~and Vegetable Program (FFVP-CFD), prepared by Mathematica Policy Research (Alexandria, VA: USDA-FNS,~~
~~January 2017), https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/ops/FFVP-CFD.pdf. For more information on proposals~~
~~to include frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables in FFVP, see CRS Report R45486,~~ ~~Child Nutrition~~
~~Programs: Issues in the 115th Congress~~.
~~202 This section does not list all related child nutrition activities. For further details on these and other functions funded~~
~~by the child nutrition programs account, see USDA-FNS, “2023 USDA Explanatory Notes – Food and Nutrition~~
~~Service,” https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2023-FNS.pdf.~~
~~203 Section 243 of P.L. 111-296, adding Section 18(g) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769(g)).~~
~~204 USDA-FNS, The Farm to School Program—2012-2015: Four Years in Review, p. 3.~~
~~205~~224 In FY2022, FNS used American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2) funding to provide an additional $60 million in non-competitive farm to school program funding to states for use over a four-year period. FNS distributed the funding using a formula based on states’ NSLP participation.225 Institute of Child Nutrition The Institute of Child Nutrition provides technical assistance, instruction, and materials for nutrition and food service professionals and other local administrators of child nutrition programs on a variety of topics. The institute receives $5 million a year in mandatory funding appropriated in statute.226 The institute is currently located at the University of Mississippi. Team Nutrition The Team Nutrition initiative supports federally and state-developed nutrition education and promotion initiatives. This includes grants for state agencies to develop programs to improve school meal quality, such as by training school nutrition professionals. From 2004 to 2018, Team Nutrition also included the HealthierUS Schools Challenge, which was a voluntary certification initiative designed to recognize schools that create a healthy school environment through the promotion of nutrition and physical activity.227 221 USDA-FNS, The Farm to School Program—2012-2015: Four Years in Review, p. 3. 222 Mandatory funding for the farm to school program is provided under Section 18(g)(8)(A) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. Mandatory funding for the farm to school program is provided under Section 18(g)(8)(A) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C.
§1769(g)(8)(A)). The program also received $§1769(g)(8)(A)). The program also received $1214 million in annual appropriations in million in annual appropriations in ~~FY2022.~~
~~206~~FY2023. 223 For more information, see USDA-FNS’s Office of Community Food Systems website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/ For more information, see USDA-FNS’s Office of Community Food Systems website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/
farmtoschool/farm-school; and CRS Report R46538, farmtoschool/farm-school; and CRS Report R46538, Local and Urban Food Systems: Selected Farm Bill and Other
Federal Programs. .
~~207 USDA-FNS, “USDA Awards $12 Million in Record-Breaking Farm to School Grants, Releases New Data Showing~~
~~Expansion of Farm to School Efforts,” July 15, 2021~~224 USDA-FNS, “Biden-Harris Administration Announces Investments in Urban Agriculture, Food and Market Access through President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda,” July 21, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-0155.23. 225 USDA-FNS, “2024 USDA Explanatory Notes – Food and Nutrition Service,” p. 35-40. 226 Section 21(e)(1)(A) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769b-1(e)(1)(A)). 227 See the USDA-FNS website, http://www.fns.usda.gov/hussc/healthierus-school-challenge-smarter-lunchrooms. Congressional Research Service 46 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding ~~, https://www.fns.usda.gov/news-item/usda-0158.21.~~
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~~Institute of Child Nutrition~~
~~The Institute of Child Nutrition provides technical assistance, instruction, and materials for~~
~~nutrition and food service professionals and other local administrators of child nutrition programs~~
~~on a variety of topics. The institute receives $5 million a year in mandatory funding appropriated~~
~~in statute.208 The institute is currently located at the University of Mississippi.~~
~~Team Nutrition~~
~~The Team Nutrition initiative supports federally and state-developed nutrition education and~~
~~promotion initiatives. This includes grants for state agencies to develop programs to improve~~
~~school meal quality, such as by training school nutrition professionals. From 2004 to 2018, Team~~
~~Nutrition also included the HealthierUS Schools Challenge, which was a voluntary certification~~
~~initiative designed to recognize schools that create a healthy school environment through the~~
~~promotion of nutrition and physical activity.209~~
Food Safety
Foods served in any child nutrition program must comply with state or local health, safety, and Foods served in any child nutrition program must comply with state or local health, safety, and
sanitation standards for food storage, preparation, and service. Schools participating in the school sanitation standards for food storage, preparation, and service. Schools participating in the school
meals programs must obtain food safety inspections by a state or local government agency at least meals programs must obtain food safety inspections by a state or local government agency at least
twice a year.twice a year.~~210~~228 There are also food safety inspections for USDA Foods. There are also food safety inspections for USDA Foods.~~211~~229 FNS also receives FNS also receives
annual funding to carry out food safety training for state and local program operators.annual funding to carry out food safety training for state and local program operators.~~212~~230
FNS Activities
Approximately $100 million was provided in Approximately $100 million was provided in ~~FY2022~~FY2023 for FNS activities including technology, for FNS activities including technology,
research, training and technical assistance, and payment oversight.research, training and technical assistance, and payment oversight.~~213~~231 This funding supports, for This funding supports, for
example, computer systems such as the USDA Foods ordering and purchasing application, FNS example, computer systems such as the USDA Foods ordering and purchasing application, FNS
technical assistance, and guidance to states in implementing corrective actions to payment technical assistance, and guidance to states in implementing corrective actions to payment
errors.errors.~~214~~232
Further Information
CRS reports: CRS reports:
• CRS In Focus IF10266, CRS In Focus IF10266, Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR): An Overview
• CRS Report CRS Report R46888, Amending Eligibility Rules for Free and Reduced-Price
~~School Meals: Background and Policy Options~~

~~208 Section 21(e)(1)(A) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769b-1(e)(1)(A)).~~
~~209 See the USDA-FNS website, http://www.fns.usda.gov/hussc/healthierus-school-challenge-smarter-lunchrooms.~~
~~210 Section 9(h) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1758(h)).~~
~~211 Section 29 of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769j).~~
~~212 USDA Office of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA), “2023 USDA Explanatory Notes – Food and Nutrition~~
~~Service,” p. 35-43, https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2023-FNS.pdf.~~
~~213 Ibid.~~
~~214 For more information on these and other USDA-FNS activities, see USDA-FNS, “2023 USDA Explanatory Notes –~~
~~Food and Nutrition Service,” https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2023-FNS.pdf.~~
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R46681, USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic • CRS In Focus IF11633, Summer Food for Children: An Overview of Federal Aid • CRS Report R46888, Amending Eligibility Rules for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals: Background and Policy Options • CRS Report R46371, Serving Free School Meals through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP): Background and Participation • CRS Report R47199, The School Foodservice Workforce: Characteristics and Labor Market Outcomes • CRS Report R42353, Domestic Food Assistance: Summary of Programs • CRS Report R45486, CRS Report R45486, Child Nutrition Programs: Issues in the 115th Congress
• CRS Report CRS Report R42353, Domestic Food Assistance: Summary of Programs
R44373, Tracking Child Nutrition Reauthorization in the 114th Congress: An Overview • CRS Report R41354, CRS Report R41354, Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization: P.L. 111-296
(summarizes the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010) (summarizes the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010)
• CRS Report CRS Report R44373, Tracking Child Nutrition Reauthorization in the 114th
~~Congress: An Overview~~
 CRS In Focus IF11633, Summer Meals for Children: An Overview of Federal Aid
 CRS Report R46371, Serving Free School Meals through the Community
~~Eligibility Provision (CEP): Background and Participation~~
 CRS Report R46681, USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs: Response to the
~~COVID-19 Pandemic~~
 CRS Report RL34081, Farm and Food Support Under USDA’s Section 32
~~Program~~
RL34081, Farm and Food Support Under USDA’s Section 32 Program 228 Section 9(h) of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1758(h)). 229 Section 29 of the NSLA (42 U.S.C. §1769j). 230 USDA, FNS, “2024 USDA Explanatory Notes – Food and Nutrition Service,” p. 35-14. 231 Ibid. 232 For more information on these and other USDA-FNS activities, see USDA-FNS, “2023 USDA Explanatory Notes–Food and Nutrition Service,” https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/35-2023-FNS.pdf. Congressional Research Service 47 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding • CRS Report RL33299, CRS Report RL33299, Child Nutrition and WIC Legislation in the 108th and
109th Congresses (summarizes the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act (summarizes the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act
of 2004) of 2004)
Other resources: Other resources:
• USDA-FNS website: https://www.fns.usda.gov USDA-FNS website: https://www.fns.usda.gov
• The USDA-FNS page of the The USDA-FNS page of the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/: https://www.federalregister.gov/
agencies/food-and-nutrition-service agencies/food-and-nutrition-service
• USDA-FNS Congressional Budget Justifications: https://www.usda.gov/ USDA-FNS Congressional Budget Justifications: https://www.usda.gov/~~obpa/~~
~~congressional-justifications~~cj

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Appendix A. A Brief History of Federal Child
Nutrition Programs
Other Historical Resources
The Emergence of School
The National Food Service Management Institute (now The National Food Service Management Institute (now
Lunches and the National
the Institute of Child Nutrition), with funding from the Institute of Child Nutrition), with funding from
USDA, produced a 15-minute video documenting the USDA, produced a 15-minute video documenting the
School Lunch Program
history of the child nutrition programs through 2007. history of the child nutrition programs through 2007.
“A Journey Through the History of Child Nutrition “A Journey Through the History of Child Nutrition
When the first federal aid for school lunches When the first federal aid for school lunches
Programs” is available on the Institute of Child Programs” is available on the Institute of Child
was provided in the 1930s, local school lunch was provided in the 1930s, local school lunch
Nutrition’s YouTube page (https://youtu.be/ Nutrition’s YouTube page (https://youtu.be/
~~9E29Qg5G0g4).~~
programs were already operational in many programs were already operational in many
9E29Qg5G0g4). cities and localities across the United States.cities and localities across the United States.~~215~~233
Many of these early lunch programs were started by charitable women’s organizations at the turn Many of these early lunch programs were started by charitable women’s organizations at the turn
of the century in an effort to feed hungry children. Over time, they transitioned to school boards of the century in an effort to feed hungry children. Over time, they transitioned to school boards
and school districts. These programs received a combination of private, local, and state and school districts. These programs received a combination of private, local, and state
funding.funding.~~216~~234
The federal government became involved in school lunch programs during the Great Depression The federal government became involved in school lunch programs during the Great Depression
both as a way to feed hungry children and support the farm economy. Initially, federal aid was both as a way to feed hungry children and support the farm economy. Initially, federal aid was
provided in the form of cafeteria equipment and labor. In 1932, the Reconstruction Finance provided in the form of cafeteria equipment and labor. In 1932, the Reconstruction Finance
Corporation began providing loans to states and school districts to cover the cost of cafeteria Corporation began providing loans to states and school districts to cover the cost of cafeteria
space and equipment for school lunch programs.space and equipment for school lunch programs.~~217~~235 In 1935, the Works Progress Administration, a In 1935, the Works Progress Administration, a
New Deal agency, began sponsoring women’s employment in school lunchrooms. Federal food New Deal agency, began sponsoring women’s employment in school lunchrooms. Federal food
support for school lunches began that same year, when Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 support for school lunches began that same year, when Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935
(P.L. 74-320) was enacted. The act provided 30% of customs receipts to USDA to purchase (P.L. 74-320) was enacted. The act provided 30% of customs receipts to USDA to purchase
surplus commodities from farmers impacted by the depression. These commodities were donated surplus commodities from farmers impacted by the depression. These commodities were donated
through various outlets for domestic consumption, including school lunch programs. through various outlets for domestic consumption, including school lunch programs.
With commodity aid came the first federal regulations for school lunch programs. USDA required With commodity aid came the first federal regulations for school lunch programs. USDA required
recipient organizations, through their agreements with state agencies, to operate school lunch recipient organizations, through their agreements with state agencies, to operate school lunch
programs on a nonprofit basis, maintain any existing local funding for school lunches, keep programs on a nonprofit basis, maintain any existing local funding for school lunches, keep
records of foods received, serve meals free to poor children, and ensure that such children would records of foods received, serve meals free to poor children, and ensure that such children would
not be identified to their peers, among other requirements.not be identified to their peers, among other requirements.~~218~~236
The availability of federal aid contributed to a rapid increase in the number of school lunch The availability of federal aid contributed to a rapid increase in the number of school lunch
programs. However, in 1943, federal commodity aid declined as Section 32 surplus commodities programs. However, in 1943, federal commodity aid declined as Section 32 surplus commodities
were diverted to feed U.S. armed forces in World War II. In addition, federal support for were diverted to feed U.S. armed forces in World War II. In addition, federal support for

~~215~~ 233 The first cities to institute school lunch programs included Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, The first cities to institute school lunch programs included Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Los Angeles,
Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. G.W. Gunderson, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. G.W. Gunderson, The National School Lunch Program:
Background and Development, USDA-FNS, 1971, https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/history (hereinafter, Gunderson , USDA-FNS, 1971, https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/history (hereinafter, Gunderson
1971); A.R. Ruis, 1971); A.R. Ruis, Eating to Learn, Learning to Eat: The Origins of School Lunch in the United States (New (New
Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 2017), pp. 22-27; Susan Levine, Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 2017), pp. 22-27; Susan Levine, School Lunch Politics: The Surprising History
of America’s Favorite Welfare Program (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2008), p. 22 (hereinafter, Levine (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2008), p. 22 (hereinafter, Levine
2008). 2008).
~~216~~234 Ibid. Ibid.
~~217~~235 Levine 2008, p. 44. Levine 2008, p. 44.
~~218~~236 Gunderson 1971; The Bureau of Agricultural Economics, USDA, “The School Lunch Program and Agricultural Gunderson 1971; The Bureau of Agricultural Economics, USDA, “The School Lunch Program and Agricultural
Surplus Disposal,” Miscellaneous Publications No. 467, October 1941. Surplus Disposal,” Miscellaneous Publications No. 467, October 1941.
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lunchroom labor disappeared with the elimination of the Works Progress Administration. lunchroom labor disappeared with the elimination of the Works Progress Administration.~~219~~237 In the In the
midst of declining aid, Congress provided the first cash assistance—$50 million in Section 32 midst of declining aid, Congress provided the first cash assistance—$50 million in Section 32
funds—for “a school milk and lunch program” in the 1944 Department of Agriculture funds—for “a school milk and lunch program” in the 1944 Department of Agriculture
Appropriation Act (P.L. 78-129). The introduction of cash assistance marked a shift in the lunch Appropriation Act (P.L. 78-129). The introduction of cash assistance marked a shift in the lunch
program.program.~~220~~238 For the first time, schools could purchase their own foods in addition to receiving For the first time, schools could purchase their own foods in addition to receiving
federally purchased commodities. federally purchased commodities.
Annual appropriations acts continued cash support for school lunches until 1946, when the Annual appropriations acts continued cash support for school lunches until 1946, when the
National School Lunch Act (P.L. 79-396) was enacted. Signed into law on June 4, 1946, by National School Lunch Act (P.L. 79-396) was enacted. Signed into law on June 4, 1946, by
President Truman, the National School Lunch Act permanently authorized appropriations of President Truman, the National School Lunch Act permanently authorized appropriations of
“such sums as may be necessary” for the National School Lunch Program. (The act would later “such sums as may be necessary” for the National School Lunch Program. (The act would later
be renamed the “Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act,” recognizing Senator Russell’s be renamed the “Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act,” recognizing Senator Russell’s
role in the passage of the legislation and his earlier support for the school lunch program within role in the passage of the legislation and his earlier support for the school lunch program within
New Deal programs and during his tenure as the Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations New Deal programs and during his tenure as the Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations
subcommittee.subcommittee.~~221~~239) The law required participating schools to serve lunches for free or at a reduced ) The law required participating schools to serve lunches for free or at a reduced
price to students who were deemed by local school authorities as unable to pay the full cost of a price to students who were deemed by local school authorities as unable to pay the full cost of a
lunch. Funds were to be distributed to states based on the number of school-aged children in the lunch. Funds were to be distributed to states based on the number of school-aged children in the
state and the state’s need, as measured by per-capita income, and states were to match federal state and the state’s need, as measured by per-capita income, and states were to match federal
funds dollar-for-dollar. States were to distribute funding on a monthly basis to schools based on funds dollar-for-dollar. States were to distribute funding on a monthly basis to schools based on
the number of meals served that met “minimum nutritional requirements prescribed by the the number of meals served that met “minimum nutritional requirements prescribed by the
Secretary on the basis of tested, nutritional research” (P.L. 79-396).Secretary on the basis of tested, nutritional research” (P.L. 79-396).~~222~~240 Cash assistance could not Cash assistance could not
be used for cafeteria equipment, and separate funds were authorized for this purpose ($10 million be used for cafeteria equipment, and separate funds were authorized for this purpose ($10 million
annually); however, Congress subsequently prohibited appropriations for equipment assistance annually); however, Congress subsequently prohibited appropriations for equipment assistance
from FY1948 to FY1967.from FY1948 to FY1967.~~223~~241
NSLP remained relatively unchanged from 1946 to 1960. However, during this timeframe, NSLP remained relatively unchanged from 1946 to 1960. However, during this timeframe,
concerns emerged over the funding formula. One concern was that the formula prioritized concerns emerged over the funding formula. One concern was that the formula prioritized
funding for schools with large numbers of school-aged children rather than actual participants in funding for schools with large numbers of school-aged children rather than actual participants in
the program. There was also concern that schools with high proportions of needy children the program. There was also concern that schools with high proportions of needy children
received the same amount of aid as those with wealthier families, even though they had to serve a received the same amount of aid as those with wealthier families, even though they had to serve a
larger number of meals for free or at a reduced-price.larger number of meals for free or at a reduced-price.~~224~~242 In 1962, P.L. 87-823 changed the funding In 1962, P.L. 87-823 changed the funding
formula to be based on the number of school lunches served in the state in the preceding school formula to be based on the number of school lunches served in the state in the preceding school
year instead of the number of school-aged children. The law also authorized additional “special year instead of the number of school-aged children. The law also authorized additional “special
assistance” for state-selected schools in poor economic areas (however, special assistance was not assistance” for state-selected schools in poor economic areas (however, special assistance was not
funded until 1966).funded until 1966).~~225~~

~~219~~243 237 Gunderson 1971. Gunderson 1971.
~~220~~238 However, commodity assistance continued to make up a large share of federal support for school lunches, and However, commodity assistance continued to make up a large share of federal support for school lunches, and
exceeded cash assistance until 1970. J.Y. Jones, “Appendix A: Child Nutrition Programs: A Narrative Legislative exceeded cash assistance until 1970. J.Y. Jones, “Appendix A: Child Nutrition Programs: A Narrative Legislative
History and Program Analysis” in U.S. Congress, House Committee on Education and Labor, History and Program Analysis” in U.S. Congress, House Committee on Education and Labor, Child Nutrition
Programs: Issues for the 103d Congress, 103rd Cong., 2nd sess., Serial No. 103-H (Washington, DC: GPO, 1994) 103rd Cong., 2nd sess., Serial No. 103-H (Washington, DC: GPO, 1994)
(hereinafter, Jones 1994). (hereinafter, Jones 1994).
~~221~~239 J.T. Gay, “Richard B. Russell and the National School Lunch Program,” J.T. Gay, “Richard B. Russell and the National School Lunch Program,” The Georgia Historical Quarterly, 80(4), , 80(4),
1996, pp. 860-863. 1996, pp. 860-863.
~~222~~240 Jones 1994, p. 41. USDA provided the highest reimbursement (up to 9 cents) for a “complete” Type A meal that Jones 1994, p. 41. USDA provided the highest reimbursement (up to 9 cents) for a “complete” Type A meal that
was designed to provide one-third to one-half of a child’s daily nutritional intake; up to 6 cents was provided for an was designed to provide one-third to one-half of a child’s daily nutritional intake; up to 6 cents was provided for an
“incomplete” Type B meal; and up to 2 cents for a Type C meal, which was simply a half-pint of milk. To see the “incomplete” Type B meal; and up to 2 cents for a Type C meal, which was simply a half-pint of milk. To see the
original nutritional requirements for each type of meal, see Gunderson 1971. original nutritional requirements for each type of meal, see Gunderson 1971.
~~223~~241 Jones 1994, pp. 59-61. Jones 1994, pp. 59-61.
~~224~~242 Jones 1994, pp. 41, 63-64; Levine 2008, p. 128. Jones 1994, pp. 41, 63-64; Levine 2008, p. 128.
~~225~~243 CRS DL741517, “Brief History of Child Nutrition Legislation,” by Kathryn Michelman and Joe Richardson, 1974. CRS DL741517, “Brief History of Child Nutrition Legislation,” by Kathryn Michelman and Joe Richardson, 1974.
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Other notable changes to NSLP occurred in the 1970s. In 1970, P.L. 91-248 extended special Other notable changes to NSLP occurred in the 1970s. In 1970, P.L. 91-248 extended special
assistance to all schools participating in NSLP.assistance to all schools participating in NSLP.~~226~~244 The law also reduced the state matching The law also reduced the state matching
requirement and established the first national eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price requirement and established the first national eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price
meals at 100% of the federal poverty level (later in the decade increased to 125% for free lunches meals at 100% of the federal poverty level (later in the decade increased to 125% for free lunches
and 195% for reduced-price lunches). In 1971, another significant change occurred with the and 195% for reduced-price lunches). In 1971, another significant change occurred with the
enactment of P.L. 92-153, which guaranteed states a certain level of federal cash assistance by enactment of P.L. 92-153, which guaranteed states a certain level of federal cash assistance by
specifying average per-meal reimbursement rates for free, reduced-price, and paid lunches.specifying average per-meal reimbursement rates for free, reduced-price, and paid lunches.~~227~~245
The Addition of Other Child Nutrition Programs
In the 1960s, federal child nutrition efforts expanded beyond school lunches.In the 1960s, federal child nutrition efforts expanded beyond school lunches.~~228~~246 On October 11, On October 11,
1966, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (P.L. 89-642) was enacted.1966, the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (P.L. 89-642) was enacted.~~229~~247 It formally authorized the It formally authorized the
Special Milk Program (SMP) and authorized the School Breakfast Program (SBP) as a pilot Special Milk Program (SMP) and authorized the School Breakfast Program (SBP) as a pilot
program. The SMP was based on predecessor USDA school milk programs that had operated program. The SMP was based on predecessor USDA school milk programs that had operated
since the 1940s.since the 1940s.~~230~~248 SBP was a newer concept that USDA had piloted in the 1965-1966 school SBP was a newer concept that USDA had piloted in the 1965-1966 school
year.year.~~231~~249 In a House Agriculture Committee hearing on the Child Nutrition Act, then-Secretary of In a House Agriculture Committee hearing on the Child Nutrition Act, then-Secretary of
Agriculture Orville L. Freeman testified thatAgriculture Orville L. Freeman testified that:
These proposals will permit us to begin a comprehensive effort to broaden child nutrition These proposals will permit us to begin a comprehensive effort to broaden child nutrition
programs in this country. They are based on what we have learned in 20 years of programs in this country. They are based on what we have learned in 20 years of
administration of the National School Lunch Act, and they reflect a careful assessment of administration of the National School Lunch Act, and they reflect a careful assessment of
gaps which now exist in the nutritional needs of children in this country.gaps which now exist in the nutritional needs of children in this country.~~232~~250
The SMP provided reimbursements for milk in schools, nonprofit child care centers, summer The SMP provided reimbursements for milk in schools, nonprofit child care centers, summer
camps, and other nonprofit institutions. At the time, schools and institutions could participate in camps, and other nonprofit institutions. At the time, schools and institutions could participate in
both SMP and NSLP. Meanwhile, SBP was authorized for two fiscal years and required states to both SMP and NSLP. Meanwhile, SBP was authorized for two fiscal years and required states to
prioritize funds for “schools drawing attendance from areas in which poor economic conditions prioritize funds for “schools drawing attendance from areas in which poor economic conditions
exist and to those schools to which a substantial proportion of the children enrolled must travel exist and to those schools to which a substantial proportion of the children enrolled must travel
long distances daily” (P.L. 89-642).long distances daily” (P.L. 89-642).~~233~~251 (Congress later expanded priority to include “schools in (Congress later expanded priority to include “schools in

According to Gunderson 1971, “The selection of the schools for receiving the special reimbursement from Section 11 According to Gunderson 1971, “The selection of the schools for receiving the special reimbursement from Section 11
funds was to be based upon five factors: The economic condition of the area from which the schools draw attendance; funds was to be based upon five factors: The economic condition of the area from which the schools draw attendance;
The need for free or reduced-price lunches; The percent of free or reduced-price lunches being served in such schools; The need for free or reduced-price lunches; The percent of free or reduced-price lunches being served in such schools;
The price of the lunch in such schools as compared with the average price of lunches served in the State; [and] The The price of the lunch in such schools as compared with the average price of lunches served in the State; [and] The
need for additional assistance as evidenced by the financial position of the lunch program in such schools.” need for additional assistance as evidenced by the financial position of the lunch program in such schools.”
~~226~~244 CRS Memorandum 831481, Chronology of Major Federal Food Assistance Legislation (Food Stamps, Child CRS Memorandum 831481, Chronology of Major Federal Food Assistance Legislation (Food Stamps, Child
Nutrition Programs and Elderly Nutrition) 1932-1983, by Jean Yavis Jones, November 1983Nutrition Programs and Elderly Nutrition) 1932-1983, by Jean Yavis Jones, November 1983 (hereinafter, CRS Memorandum 831481 (1983)). 245.
~~227~~ CRS Memorandum CRS Memorandum ~~83.1481~~831481 (1983); Jones 1994, p. 43. (1983); Jones 1994, p. 43.
~~228~~246 Levine 2008, p. 127; Jones 1994, p. 64. Levine 2008, p. 127; Jones 1994, p. 64.
~~229~~247 Section 2 provided the purpose of the act: “In recognition of the demonstrated relationship between food and good Section 2 provided the purpose of the act: “In recognition of the demonstrated relationship between food and good
nutrition and the capacity of children to develop and learn, based on the years of cumulative successful experience nutrition and the capacity of children to develop and learn, based on the years of cumulative successful experience
under the National School Lunch Program with its significant contributions in the field of applied nutrition research, it under the National School Lunch Program with its significant contributions in the field of applied nutrition research, it
is hereby declared to be the policy of Congress that these efforts shall be extended, expanded, and strengthened under is hereby declared to be the policy of Congress that these efforts shall be extended, expanded, and strengthened under
the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture as a measure to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture as a measure to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s
children, and to encourage the domestic consumption of agricultural and other foods, by assisting States, through children, and to encourage the domestic consumption of agricultural and other foods, by assisting States, through
grants-in-aid and other means, to meet more effectively the nutritional needs of our children.” grants-in-aid and other means, to meet more effectively the nutritional needs of our children.”
~~230~~248 Gunderson 1971. Gunderson 1971.
~~231~~249 U.S. Congress, House Committee on Agriculture, U.S. Congress, House Committee on Agriculture, Hearing on H.R. 13361 and Bills to Amend and Make Permanent
the Special Milk Program for Children, committee print, 89th Cong., 2nd Sess., June 23 and June 24, 1966, H. Prt. 66-, committee print, 89th Cong., 2nd Sess., June 23 and June 24, 1966, H. Prt. 66-
126 (Washington, DC: GPO, 1966), p. 16. 126 (Washington, DC: GPO, 1966), p. 16.
~~232~~250 Ibid, p. 12. Ibid, p. 12.
~~233~~251 USDA-FNS, “School Breakfast Program: Program History,” July 2013, https://www.fns.usda.gov/sbp/program- USDA-FNS, “School Breakfast Program: Program History,” July 2013, https://www.fns.usda.gov/sbp/program-
history. Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
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which there is a special need for improving the nutrition and dietary practices of children of which there is a special need for improving the nutrition and dietary practices of children of
working mothers and children from low-income families” (P.L. 92-32).) The Child Nutrition Act working mothers and children from low-income families” (P.L. 92-32).) The Child Nutrition Act
of 1966 also gave the Secretary the authority to provide higher reimbursements to schools with of 1966 also gave the Secretary the authority to provide higher reimbursements to schools with
“severe need.” Like NSLP, the law specified that breakfasts “meet minimum nutritional “severe need.” Like NSLP, the law specified that breakfasts “meet minimum nutritional
requirements prescribed by the Secretary on the basis of tested nutritional research,” and be requirements prescribed by the Secretary on the basis of tested nutritional research,” and be
served for free or at a reduced price to children unable to pay the full price of a meal, as served for free or at a reduced price to children unable to pay the full price of a meal, as
determined by local school authorities (P.L. 89-642). determined by local school authorities (P.L. 89-642).
In 1968, child nutrition efforts were further expanded with the authorization of the Special Food In 1968, child nutrition efforts were further expanded with the authorization of the Special Food
Service Program for Children (SFSPC), a pilot program to fund meals in summer and child care Service Program for Children (SFSPC), a pilot program to fund meals in summer and child care
settings (P.L. 90-302). SFSPC provided the first federal assistance for summer meals for children settings (P.L. 90-302). SFSPC provided the first federal assistance for summer meals for children
and the first dedicated assistance for meals served in child care settings.and the first dedicated assistance for meals served in child care settings.~~234~~252 Similar to SBP, SFSPC Similar to SBP, SFSPC
was targeted to areas with poor economic conditions and a high number of working mothers. was targeted to areas with poor economic conditions and a high number of working mothers.
In 1975, the program was split into the separate Child Care Food Program (CCFP) and the In 1975, the program was split into the separate Child Care Food Program (CCFP) and the
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (P.L. 94-105). CCFP was open to public and nonprofit Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) (P.L. 94-105). CCFP was open to public and nonprofit
institutions that met child care licensing or other official child care standards, while SFSP institutions that met child care licensing or other official child care standards, while SFSP
retained a focus on institutions in low-income areas.retained a focus on institutions in low-income areas.~~235~~253 Meals were provided for free to all Meals were provided for free to all
children at SFSP sites, whereas CCFP conducted free and reduced-price eligibility determinations children at SFSP sites, whereas CCFP conducted free and reduced-price eligibility determinations
like NSLP. like NSLP.
1980 to 2010
The long-standing growth of child nutrition programs was contrasted with budget cuts in the early The long-standing growth of child nutrition programs was contrasted with budget cuts in the early
1980s, which were part of larger efforts to reduce federal domestic spending.1980s, which were part of larger efforts to reduce federal domestic spending.~~236~~254 The Omnibus The Omnibus
Reconciliation Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-499) reduced FY1981 funding for child nutrition programs Reconciliation Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-499) reduced FY1981 funding for child nutrition programs
by approximately $400 million (9%) of the child nutrition budget.by approximately $400 million (9%) of the child nutrition budget.~~237~~255 The law achieved savings by The law achieved savings by
lowering reimbursement rates in the programs and eliminating commodity assistance for lowering reimbursement rates in the programs and eliminating commodity assistance for
breakfast, among other changes.breakfast, among other changes.~~238~~256 Larger spending cuts followed with the Omnibus Larger spending cuts followed with the Omnibus
Reconciliation Act of 1981, which made changes that collectively cut $1.4 billion (25%) of the Reconciliation Act of 1981, which made changes that collectively cut $1.4 billion (25%) of the
child nutrition budget (Title VIII of P.L. 97-35).child nutrition budget (Title VIII of P.L. 97-35).~~239~~257 Many of the policy changes made by the law Many of the policy changes made by the law
remain in place today. For example, the law restricted eligibility from 195% of poverty to 185% remain in place today. For example, the law restricted eligibility from 195% of poverty to 185%
of poverty for reduced-price meals and set eligibility at 130% for free meals in the NSLP, SBP, of poverty for reduced-price meals and set eligibility at 130% for free meals in the NSLP, SBP,
and CCFP. It also raised allowable charges for reduced-price lunches from 20 cents to 40 cents and CCFP. It also raised allowable charges for reduced-price lunches from 20 cents to 40 cents
and for reduced-price breakfasts from 10 cents to 30 cents.and for reduced-price breakfasts from 10 cents to 30 cents.~~240~~258 In a major change to SMP, the law In a major change to SMP, the law
excluded schools/institutions that participated in another child nutrition meals program from excluded schools/institutions that participated in another child nutrition meals program from
participating in SMP—cutting SMP’s budget by 77%.participating in SMP—cutting SMP’s budget by 77%.~~241~~259 In CCFP, the law restricted participation In CCFP, the law restricted participation

~~history.~~
~~234~~from children ages 18 and under to children ages 12 and under, and reduced the maximum 252 Early appropriations for school lunches in 1944 and 1945 had allowed states to spend a small percentage of funds on Early appropriations for school lunches in 1944 and 1945 had allowed states to spend a small percentage of funds on
food served in child care centers. The National School Lunch Act of 1946 made permanent support for meals served in food served in child care centers. The National School Lunch Act of 1946 made permanent support for meals served in
residential child care institutions only. residential child care institutions only.
~~235~~253 Low-income areas were defined as areas in which at least one-third of children qualified for free or reduced-price Low-income areas were defined as areas in which at least one-third of children qualified for free or reduced-price
meals. meals.
~~236~~254 Jones 1994, p. 44. Jones 1994, p. 44.
~~237~~255 CRS Memorandum CRS Memorandum ~~83.1481~~831481 (1983); Jones 1994, p. 44. (1983); Jones 1994, p. 44.
~~238~~256 CRS Memorandum CRS Memorandum ~~83.1481~~831481 (1983); Jones 1994, p. 86. (1983); Jones 1994, p. 86.
~~239~~257 Jones 1994, p. 44. Jones 1994, p. 44.
~~240~~258 CRS Memorandum CRS Memorandum ~~83.1481~~831481 (1983). (1983).
~~241~~259 Jones 1994, pp. 44-45. Jones 1994, pp. 44-45.
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~~from children ages 18 and under to children ages 12 and under, and reduced the maximum~~
number of reimbursable meals from three meals and two snacks per child daily to two meals and number of reimbursable meals from three meals and two snacks per child daily to two meals and
one snack per child daily. The law also eliminated equipment assistance for school meals. one snack per child daily. The law also eliminated equipment assistance for school meals.
Child nutrition programs were subsequently excluded from budget deficit reduction measures in Child nutrition programs were subsequently excluded from budget deficit reduction measures in
the late 1980s and 1990s, and new policies led to the expansion of the programs during this the late 1980s and 1990s, and new policies led to the expansion of the programs during this
timeframe.timeframe.~~242~~260 For example, amendments to the programs in these years authorized start-up grants For example, amendments to the programs in these years authorized start-up grants
for school breakfast programs, expanded CCFP to adult day care centers (and renamed the Child for school breakfast programs, expanded CCFP to adult day care centers (and renamed the Child
and Adult Care Food Program, or CACFP), and provided new funding for afterschool snacks and Adult Care Food Program, or CACFP), and provided new funding for afterschool snacks
through NSLP and CACFP.through NSLP and CACFP.~~243~~261 But what had potentially the longest-term impact on expansion was But what had potentially the longest-term impact on expansion was
a policy change intended to reduce paperwork in the school meals programs: automatic a policy change intended to reduce paperwork in the school meals programs: automatic
(categorical) eligibility for free meals for children in food stamp (now SNAP) and Aid to Families (categorical) eligibility for free meals for children in food stamp (now SNAP) and Aid to Families
with Dependent Children (now TANF) households, which was enacted in 1986—and direct with Dependent Children (now TANF) households, which was enacted in 1986—and direct
certification of such children for free meals without household applications, which was enacted in certification of such children for free meals without household applications, which was enacted in
1989.1989.~~244~~262
Other policies in the late 1980s and 1990s focused on improving program integrity. The 1989 Other policies in the late 1980s and 1990s focused on improving program integrity. The 1989
child nutrition reauthorization (P.L. 101-147) required USDA to create a standardized process child nutrition reauthorization (P.L. 101-147) required USDA to create a standardized process
through which states would review school food authorities’ administration of NSLP and SBP through which states would review school food authorities’ administration of NSLP and SBP
(known as administrative reviews).(known as administrative reviews).~~245~~263 In CACFP, following USDA Office of the Inspector In CACFP, following USDA Office of the Inspector
General (OIG) audits in the 1990s that found instances of abuse and mismanagement, the General (OIG) audits in the 1990s that found instances of abuse and mismanagement, the
Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-224) made a number of changes aimed at Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-224) made a number of changes aimed at
improving program integrity in CACFP.improving program integrity in CACFP.~~246~~264 The act required CACFP sponsors to conduct more The act required CACFP sponsors to conduct more
frequent and unannounced site visits of sponsored centers and homes, restricted nonprofit frequent and unannounced site visits of sponsored centers and homes, restricted nonprofit
institutions’ eligibility to those with tax-exempt status, and excluded institutions deemed institutions’ eligibility to those with tax-exempt status, and excluded institutions deemed
ineligible to participate in any other public program based on violations of program requirements. ineligible to participate in any other public program based on violations of program requirements.
Other legislation was aimed at improving program integrity in the school meals programs. Other legislation was aimed at improving program integrity in the school meals programs.
Program integrity continued to be a focus in the 2004 child nutrition reauthorization (P.L. 108- Program integrity continued to be a focus in the 2004 child nutrition reauthorization (P.L. 108-
265), which made changes to school food authorities’ verification of household applications for 265), which made changes to school food authorities’ verification of household applications for
free and reduced-price meals. Specifically, the law set a sample size of applications that schools free and reduced-price meals. Specifically, the law set a sample size of applications that schools
must review, established a focus on “error-prone” applications (applications near the income must review, established a focus on “error-prone” applications (applications near the income
eligibility thresholds), and authorized direct (automatic) household application verification eligibility thresholds), and authorized direct (automatic) household application verification
processes.processes.~~247~~265 In addition, the law required states to conduct additional administrative reviews of In addition, the law required states to conduct additional administrative reviews of
school food authorities with a high level of administrative error or risk of error.school food authorities with a high level of administrative error or risk of error.~~248~~266
The 2004 child nutrition reauthorization also continued the expansion of free school meals to new The 2004 child nutrition reauthorization also continued the expansion of free school meals to new
categories of children. Specifically, the law extended categorical eligibility and direct certification categories of children. Specifically, the law extended categorical eligibility and direct certification

~~242~~ 260 Jones 1994, p. 45. Jones 1994, p. 45.
~~243~~261 Jones 1994, pp. 46-47. Jones 1994, pp. 46-47.
~~244~~262 USDA-FNS, USDA-FNS, Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program: State Implementation Progress Report to
Congress, Office of Research and Analysis, December 2008, p. 3, https://www.fns.usda.gov/direct-certification-, Office of Research and Analysis, December 2008, p. 3, https://www.fns.usda.gov/direct-certification-
national-school-lunch-program-state-implementation-progress. national-school-lunch-program-state-implementation-progress.
~~245~~263 Jones 1994, p. 68. Jones 1994, p. 68.
~~246~~264 See, for example, USDA Office of Inspector General, See, for example, USDA Office of Inspector General, Food and Nutrition Service: Child and Adult Care Food
Program: National Report on Program Abuses, Audit Report No. 27601-7-SF, August 1999, https://www.usda.gov/Audit Report No. 27601-7-SF, August 1999, https://www.usda.gov/
oig/webdocs/27601-7-SF.pdf. oig/webdocs/27601-7-SF.pdf.
~~247~~265 USDA-FNS, Verification of Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals in the National School Lunch and School USDA-FNS, Verification of Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals in the National School Lunch and School
Breakfast Programs, 73 Breakfast Programs, 73 Federal Register 76847, December 18, 2008. 76847, December 18, 2008.
~~248~~266 For more information, see CRS Report RL33299, For more information, see CRS Report RL33299, Child Nutrition and WIC Legislation in the 108th and 109th
Congresses. .
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for free school meals to homeless children, migrant children, and children served under the for free school meals to homeless children, migrant children, and children served under the
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.
The most recent child nutrition reauthorization as of the date of this report was the Healthy, The most recent child nutrition reauthorization as of the date of this report was the Healthy,
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA; P.L. 111-296). The HHFKA continued the expansion of Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA; P.L. 111-296). The HHFKA continued the expansion of
school meals in a few ways. It made foster children categorically eligible for free school meals, school meals in a few ways. It made foster children categorically eligible for free school meals,
and allowed direct certification of such children. It also included a pilot project for direct and allowed direct certification of such children. It also included a pilot project for direct
certification (but not categorical eligibility) of children in Medicaid households for free and certification (but not categorical eligibility) of children in Medicaid households for free and
reduced-price meals based on an income test. In addition, the HHFKA created the Community reduced-price meals based on an income test. In addition, the HHFKA created the Community
Eligibility Provision (CEP), through which eligible schools can provide free meals to all students. Eligibility Provision (CEP), through which eligible schools can provide free meals to all students.
As discussed in this report, the HHFKA also made changes to nutritional requirements in the As discussed in this report, the HHFKA also made changes to nutritional requirements in the
school meals programs and CACFP. Specifically, the law required USDA to update the nutrition school meals programs and CACFP. Specifically, the law required USDA to update the nutrition
standards for school meals within a certain timeframe and align the standards with the Dietary standards for school meals within a certain timeframe and align the standards with the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans (per an existing statutory requirement).Guidelines for Americans (per an existing statutory requirement).~~249~~267 The law also required USDA The law also required USDA
to issue new nutrition standards regulating all foods sold on school campuses during the school to issue new nutrition standards regulating all foods sold on school campuses during the school
day (“competitive foods”). (Previous standards applied only to competitive foods sold during day (“competitive foods”). (Previous standards applied only to competitive foods sold during
meal service.) In addition, the HHFKA required USDA to update the nutrition standards for meal service.) In addition, the HHFKA required USDA to update the nutrition standards for
CACFP meals and snacks within a certain timeframe and align them with the Dietary Guidelines CACFP meals and snacks within a certain timeframe and align them with the Dietary Guidelines
for Americans.for Americans.~~250~~
268 267
~~Author Information~~

~~Kara Clifford Billings~~

~~Analyst in Social Policy~~

~~Acknowledgments~~
~~Prior CRS reports written by Randy Aussenberg, CRS Specialist in Nutrition Assistance Policy, and Joe~~
~~Richardson, former CRS Specialist, provided framework for this report.~~

~~249~~ The 1994 child nutrition reauthorization (P.L. 103-448) required schools to serve breakfasts and lunches that were The 1994 child nutrition reauthorization (P.L. 103-448) required schools to serve breakfasts and lunches that were
consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
~~250~~268 For more information, see CRS Report R45486, For more information, see CRS Report R45486, Child Nutrition Programs: Issues in the 115th Congress. Also see . Also see
Janet Poppendieck, Free for All: Fixing School Food in America (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2010). Janet Poppendieck, Free for All: Fixing School Food in America (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2010).
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~~School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding~~

54 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding Appendix B. Spending on Child Nutrition Programs, FY1992-FY2022 Table B-1. Expenditures on Selected Child Nutrition Programs, FY1992-FY2022 (Actual) (billions of nominal dollars) Fiscal Year NSLP SBP CACFP SFSP Total 1992 4.56 0.79 1.10 0.21 6.65 1993 4.75 0.87 1.22 0.22 7.07 1994 5.02 0.96 1.35 0.23 7.56 1995 5.16 1.05 1.46 0.24 7.91 1996 5.35 1.12 1.53 0.25 8.26 1997 5.55 1.21 1.57 0.24 8.58 1998 5.83 1.27 1.55 0.26 8.92 1999 6.02 1.35 1.62 0.27 9.25 2000 6.15 1.39 1.68 0.27 9.49 2001 6.48 1.45 1.74 0.27 9.93 2002 6.85 1.57 1.85 0.26 10.53 2003 7.19 1.65 1.93 0.26 11.02 2004 7.63 1.78 2.02 0.26 11.68 2005 8.03 1.93 2.11 0.27 12.34 2006 8.19 2.04 2.15 0.28 12.66 2007 8.74 2.16 2.24 0.29 13.43 2008 9.32 2.37 2.40 0.33 14.41 2009 9.99 2.58 2.53 0.35 15.46 2010 10.88 2.86 2.64 0.36 16.74 2011 11.30 3.03 2.72 0.37 17.43 2012 11.58 3.28 2.85 0.40 18.11 2013 12.22 3.51 2.99 0.43 19.16 2014 12.66 3.69 3.13 0.47 19.94 2015 13.00 3.89 3.31 0.49 20.69 2016 13.57 4.21 3.52 0.48 21.78 2017 13.64 4.25 3.54 0.48 21.92 2018 13.82 4.40 3.62 0.47 22.32 2019 14.20 4.55 3.73 0.47 22.96 2020 10.32 3.55 3.02 4.31 21.20 Congressional Research Service 55 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding Fiscal Year NSLP SBP CACFP SFSP Total 2021 9.32 3.13 3.80 10.67 26.92 2022 22.98 6.50 3.93 0.60 34.01 Source: USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Tables: NSLP, SBP and SMP—Program Costs—Cash and Commodities; Child and Adult Care Food—Participation, Meals and Costs; and Summer Food Service—Participation, Meals and Costs,” October 13, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/child-nutrition-tables. Notes: NSLP category includes entitlement and bonus commodities and spending on the Seamless Summer Option. Graph does not show all child nutrition program spending (e.g., it excludes FFVP, state administrative expenses, and discretionary grants). FY2022 data are preliminary. Table B-2. Expenditures on Selected Child Nutrition Programs, FY1992-FY2022 (Inflation-Adjusted) (billions of FY2022 dollars) Fiscal Year NSLP SBP CACFP SFSP Total 1992 8.74 1.52 2.10 0.39 12.75 1993 8.84 1.63 2.28 0.41 13.16 1994 9.18 1.76 2.48 0.42 13.84 1995 9.17 1.86 2.60 0.42 14.05 1996 9.32 1.95 2.67 0.43 14.37 1997 9.47 2.07 2.68 0.42 14.63 1998 9.86 2.15 2.62 0.44 15.07 1999 10.06 2.25 2.71 0.45 15.46 2000 10.01 2.27 2.74 0.44 15.46 2001 10.27 2.30 2.76 0.43 15.76 2002 10.71 2.45 2.89 0.41 16.46 2003 10.91 2.51 2.92 0.39 16.73 2004 11.28 2.63 2.99 0.39 17.28 2005 11.48 2.76 3.02 0.38 17.64 2006 11.31 2.82 2.97 0.38 17.49 2007 11.74 2.91 3.01 0.39 18.05 2008 12.10 3.07 3.12 0.42 18.71 2009 13.00 3.36 3.30 0.45 20.10 2010 13.90 3.65 3.37 0.46 21.38 2011 14.10 3.79 3.40 0.47 21.75 2012 14.17 4.01 3.49 0.49 22.17 2013 14.75 4.24 3.61 0.52 23.12 2014 15.04 4.38 3.72 0.55 23.69 2015 15.37 4.60 3.91 0.58 24.45 2016 15.94 4.95 4.13 0.56 25.57 2017 15.76 4.91 4.08 0.56 25.31 Congressional Research Service 56 School Meals and Other Child Nutrition Programs: Background and Funding 2018 15.61 4.96 4.09 0.53 25.20 2019 15.75 5.04 4.14 0.53 25.46 2020 11.23 3.86 3.29 4.69 23.08 2021 9.87 3.31 4.02 11.30 28.50 2022 22.98 6.50 3.93 0.60 34.01 Source: CRS calculations using USDA-FNS, “Child Nutrition Tables: NSLP, SBP and SMP—Program Costs—Cash and Commodities; Child and Adult Care Food—Participation, Meals and Costs; and Summer Food Service—Participation, Meals and Costs,” October 13, 2023, https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/child-nutrition-tables. Notes: Amounts are in FY2022 dol ars, adjusted for GDP inflation by CRS using Office of Management and Budget (OMB), "Historical Tables: Table 10.1—Gross Domestic Product and Deflators Used in the Historical Tables: 1940–2028," March 2023. NSLP category includes entitlement and bonus commodities and spending on the Seamless Summer Option. Graph does not show all child nutrition program spending (e.g., it excludes FFVP, state administrative expenses, and discretionary grants). FY2022 data are preliminary. Author Information Kara Clifford Billings Analyst in Social Policy Acknowledgments Prior CRS reports written by Randy Aussenberg, CRS Specialist in Nutrition Assistance Policy, and Joe Richardson, former CRS Specialist, provided framework for this report.
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