Summary

The Maryland State Department of Education received a $52.96 million Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award provides cash subsidies and USDA Foods to support the delivery of nutritionally balanced, low-cost, and no-cost lunches to eligible school children across Maryland's public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions.

As the state education agency, MSDE administers the program by determining school eligibility, establishing written participation agreements with school food authorities and institutions, and ensuring compliance with federal meal pattern requirements and nutritional standards. MSDE functions as the pass-through entity, sub-awarding portions of the federal funding to local school districts, charter schools, and community organizations to facilitate direct meal service delivery. Participating schools must maintain comprehensive records of nonprofit food service operations and provide meals at free or reduced prices to eligible children, thereby ensuring nutritional access while supporting domestic consumption of agricultural commodities.