National School Lunch Program

 In FY 2018, schools served over 4.8 billion lunches to children nationwide.

 In FY 2018, schools served over 4.8 billion lunches to children nationwide.

Feeding the Future with Healthy School Lunches

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.

Program Fact Sheet
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What's New?

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Nationwide Waiver of Local School Wellness Policy Triennial Assessments in the NSLP and SFSP
Policy Memos
Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility in the Child Nutrition Programs – Extension 4
Policy Memos
Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children – Extension 2
Policy Memos
USDA Provides Flexibilities to Ensure Kids Receive Meals This Fall
News Item
USDA/USDC Authorized Labels and Manufacturers
Technical Assistance & Guidance
Child Nutrition Program Meal Service during Novel Coronavirus Outbreaks: Questions and Answers #4
Policy Memos
Community Eligibility Provision Resource Center
Technical Assistance & Guidance
USDA Ensures All Kids Can Get Free Meals This Summer as Nation Reopens
News Item
Nationwide Waiver to Allow Meal Pattern Flexibility - Extension 3
Policy Memos
USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Georgia and Iowa
News Item
USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Alaska
News Item
USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Mississippi
News Item
Questions and Answers on the Nationwide Waiver to Extend Unanticipated School Closure Operations through June 30, 2020
Policy Memos
USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Hawaii
News Item
USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Florida and Minnesota
News Item
USDA Approves Program to Feed Kids in Washington
News Item

Spotlights

Smart Snacks in Schools

Tools for Schools: Focusing on Smart Snacks

A number of tools and resources are available to help schools identify food items that meet Smart Snacks criteria. See the resources below for information about the Smart Snacks requirement, helpful tools, and ways to encourage children to make healthier snack choices that give them the nutrition they need to grow and learn.

Verification Toolkit
Community Eligibility Provision