FNS Documents & Resources

The purpose of this policy memorandum is to provide direction and guidance to SDAs in order to ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements, and to make certain that all SFAs receive their planned assistance level and maximize their use of USDA Foods to meet the nutrition standards in the NSLP.

This Notice announces the annual adjustments to the "national average payments,'' the amount of money the federal government provides states for lunches, afterschool snacks and breakfasts served to children participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs; to the ``maximum reimbursement rates,'' the maximum per lunch rate from federal funds that a state can provide a school food authority for lunches served to children participating in the National School Lunch Program; and to the rate of reimbursement for a half-pint of milk served to non-needy children in a school or institution which participates in the Special Milk Program for Children.

This Notice announces the annual adjustments to the “national average payments,” to the “maximum reimbursement rates,”  and to the rate of reimbursement for a halfπpint of milk served to nonneedy children in a school or institution which participates in the Special Milk Program for Children. 

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 allows children to be certified as eligible for free meals under the NSLP and the SBP based on participation in other programs authorized under the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended. No further application by the child’s household is necessary.