Description

	Provides nutritionally balanced lunches to children each school day in 101,650 public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions (FY 2008 totals).
	Reimburses schools for lunches, and snacks served to children in after-school educational or enrichment programs.
	Reimburses at the following rates (July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009): Free Lunches - $2.57; Reduced-Price Lunches -$2.17; Paid Lunches - $0.24; Free Snacks - $0.71; Reduced-Price Snacks - $0.35; Paid Snacks - $0.06. (Higher reimbursement rates for Alaska and Hawaii.)
	Requires that lunches meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and provide at least minimum calorie levels and one-third of Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
	Provides per-meal value of USDA donated food assistance, adjusted each year to reflect changes in food prices. In SY 2009, per-meal value of donated food assistance is 20.75 cents. “Bonus” foods are also provided, as available, in accordance with USDA price support and surplus removal programs.
	USDA provides additional support through its Team Nutrition initiative, including training and technical assistance to school food service staff, and nutrition education for children.

Background

The Depression years caused childhood malnourishment and as a result many young men were turned down for military service in World War II due to nutritional deficiencies. This led to the establishment of the National School Lunch Program in 1946 under the authority of the National School Lunch Act.

Participants

	More than 30.9 million students in 101,650 schools and residential childcare institutions participated in FY 2008 (daily average).
	Children from households with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level ($27,560 for a family of four for school year 2008-2009) are eligible for free meals. Those with higher incomes may be eligible for reduced price meals.

Budget

	$7.8 billion in FY 2007.
	$8.1 billion in FY 2008.

Contact Information

For complete information, visit www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/lunch  or contact your State agency that administers the NSLP. View Agency listings at www.fns.usda.gov/cnd, select “Contact Us,” then “Child Nutrition Programs.”

Last modified: January 2009