Federal Grant Award Summary

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) received a Formula Grant award of $202.1 million 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 or no-cost lunches to school children throughout Maryland. MSDE, serving as the state education agency, is responsible for administering the program, determining school eligibility, managing written participation agreements with public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions, and maintaining compliance with federal nutritional requirements and meal pattern standards.

As the prime recipient, MSDE sub-awards portions of federal funds to local school districts, charter schools, and other participating entities to facilitate direct meal service delivery across the state. Participating schools must operate as nonprofit food service providers, serve meals meeting federal meal pattern requirements, offer free or reduced-price meals to eligible children, and maintain comprehensive records of their food service operations for state agency review. The program supports the provision of reimbursable meals served during the school day and snacks through approved afterschool programs that include educational or enrichment activities.