National School Lunch Program

Department Of Agriculture, Food And Nutrition Service

To assist States, through cash grants and food donations, in providing a nutritious nonprofit lunch service for school children and to encourage the domestic consumption of nutritious agricultural commodities.

Jargon-free version

Helps schools provide affordable, healthy lunches to children each school day. Schools receive funds and food to serve balanced meals at low or no cost.

Quick Facts

Funding
Contact for details
Deadline
May 28, 2026
Status
Rolling Intake
Category
Health & Biomedical Research
Organization
Department Of Agriculture, Food And Nutrition Service

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What Is This Program?

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 no-cost lunches to children each school day. Participating school districts and independent schools receive cash subsidies and USDA Foods for each reimbursable meal they serve. In exchange, NSLP institutions must serve lunches that meet Federal meal pattern requirements and offer the lunches at a free or reduced price to eligible children. School food authorities can also be reimbursed for snacks served to children who participate in an approved afterschool program including an educational or enrichment activity.

What Benefits Are Offered?

grant

Equipment assistance grants specifically for the National School Lunch Program to support the provision of nutritious meals and snacks to children.

Who Is Eligible?

Industries: education, childcare

Region: US (states, territories, tribal nations)

Other Criteria: schools, state agencies administering child nutrition programs, organizations operating school lunch programs, childcare centers, summer meal programs, afterschool programs, entities providing meals for children K-12

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๐Ÿ† Detailed Application Guide

๐Ÿ“‹What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?

๐Ÿ“Steps to Apply
  • Determine eligibility based on income and household size.
  • Complete the application form for the National School Lunch Program.
  • Submit the application to the appropriate state agency or school district.
  • Await approval and notification regarding eligibility.
๐ŸŒApplication Portal
http://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/overview
๐Ÿ“คSubmission Method
online
๐Ÿ”„Intake Type
rolling

๐Ÿ“„What Documents Are Required?

โœ…Required Documents
  • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
  • SF-424A (Budget Information - Non-Construction)
  • SF-424B (Assurances)
  • Project Narrative
  • Budget Narrative
๐Ÿ“Format Requirements
PDF only, max 10MB

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๐Ÿ’ฐWhat Expenses Are Eligible?

๐ŸงพEligible Expenses
  • nutritional meals
  • snacks
  • kitchen equipment
๐ŸšซIneligible Expenses
  • non-nutritional food items
  • luxury items
  • alcohol
๐Ÿ“Expense Caps
Admin costs capped at 15%
๐Ÿ’ณPayment Model
reimbursement
โชRetroactive Expenses Eligible
No

๐ŸคIs Matching Funding Required?

๐Ÿ”€Matching Required
No
๐Ÿ“šStacking Rules
Yes, can combine with other government funding.

๐Ÿ“ŠWhat Are the Reporting Requirements?

๐Ÿ—“๏ธReporting Frequency
annual
๐Ÿ“‘Reporting Requirements
  • SF-425 Federal Financial Report
  • performance progress report
๐Ÿ”Audit Requirements
OMB Uniform Guidance Single Audit if the recipient expends $750,000 or more in federal awards
๐Ÿ“ขBranding Requirements
Acknowledgment of federal funding is required
๐Ÿ—„๏ธRecord Retention Period
3 years post-final-report

How Do I Apply?

CNDInternet@fns.usda.gov
703-305-2054

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Visit the program page for detailed eligibility requirements.

Contact the program administrator for funding details.

The application deadline is May 28, 2026.

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