National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
What is the National School Lunch Program?
The National School Lunch Program provides reimbursement for nutritionally balanced low-cost or free lunches served to children attending public or private non-profit schools. It also provides funds for snacks served to children in the After School Snack Program. During School Year 2005-2006, 55 School Food Authorities served over 7.5 million lunch meals to children in the District of Columbia.
 
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
For children, the National School Lunch Program provides nutritious meals that contain one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowance of necessary nutrients. Good nutrition is important for overall health and it is a fact that hungry children cannot learn. Many children would get no meal, or at best a nutritionally poor one, if they had to bring their own lunches. For parents the program offers convenience and the security of knowing that their child is receiving a nutritionally balanced lunch at the lowest possible price. For schools, the program enhances children's learning abilities. Studies have shown that children whose nutritional needs are met have fewer attendance and discipline problems and are more attentive in class. A good school lunch is not only essential to academic achievement; it is also part of a good education. Nutrition habits and food preferences learned as a child will be with the student for life.
Which schools and institutions can participate?
Any public, charter or nonprofit private school of high school grade or under is eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program. Public or nonprofit private residential child care institutions may also participate in the school lunch program (e.g., orphanages, homes for mentally and physically challenged children, temporary shelters, group homes, and juvenile halls).
What is involved in operating a National School Lunch Program?
The lunch program must be open to all enrolled children without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Free or reduced price meals must be provided to those children who qualify for such benefits according to specified family size and income standards. Such students must not be identified nor discriminated against in any manner. Lunches must be served that meet the nutritional standards established by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Records must be kept to document that the lunch program follows all federal and state rules and regulations and operate the food service on a nonprofit basis. Some of the records that must be kept are:
- Meal production records and inventory records that document the amounts and types of food used.
- The number of lunches served each day, by site and by category (free, reduced price and full price).
- Applications submitted by families for free and reduced price meals, by site, and a description of the follow-up actions taken to verify eligibility.
- Records of income, expenditure, and contributions received.
What are the nutritional requirements for school lunches?
In general, meals should be planned based on the Food Guide Pyramid and include foods such as, fluid milk (e.g., whole, low fat & skim), meat/meat alternative (e.g., poultry, fish, cheese, egg, dry beans or peas, peanut butter or other nut butters), fruits and/or vegetables and whole grain bread/ bread alternative (e.g., rolls, muffins).
In 1995, USDA implemented the School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children (SMI) which established standards for school lunches to provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories.
Though school lunches must meet federal meal pattern or nutrient requirements*, local school food authorities can decide on what specific foods to serve and how they should be prepared. A variety of techniques can be used to meet the above requirements (e.g., salad bars). While there are specific caloric and portion requirements for each age group, it is not difficult to plan good tasting, healthy meals.
Who is eligible for free and reduced-price lunches?
Children from families meeting specified income criteria receive lunches either free or at a reduced price. Eligibility determinations are made by an official at each school and are based on family size and income information provided on an application submitted by a parent or guardian. Income eligibility guidelines* are derived from the federal poverty guidelines and are updated annually. Children from families that do not meet the income criteria for free or reduced price lunches pay full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent. Local school food authorities set their own prices for full price meals, but must operate their meal services as non-profit programs.
How much do schools get reimbursed?
The National School Lunch Program is operated on a reimbursement basis, with schools paid on the number of meals served. The current (July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007) basic cash reimbursement rates are:
| Meal |
Reimbursement |
| Free lunches |
$2.40 |
| Reduced price lunches |
$2.00 |
| Paid lunches |
$0.23 |
How can we get assistance?
Nutrition Services program specialists are available to provide schools with free technical assistance on how to operate a National School Lunch Program. Training is available on such topics as menu planning, proper food storage and preparation, record keeping and reporting, and clarifying federal and local regulations.
Whom do we contact?
For information on the National School Lunch Program, contact the District of Columbia, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Nutrition Services Department, 441 4th Street NW, Suite 350N, Washington, DC 20001; 202-727-6436. | 
