Federal Grant Award Summary

The Minnesota Department of Education received a Formula Grant award of $53,927,856.50 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555) for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This award supports the provision of nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to eligible school children across Minnesota through cash subsidies and USDA Foods distribution.

As the designated state agency, the Minnesota Department of Education administers the program by determining school eligibility, establishing written participation agreements with schools and institutions, and ensuring compliance with federal nutritional requirements and meal pattern standards. The state agency distributes grant funds as sub-awards to local school districts, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, and child care institutions throughout Minnesota, which in turn deliver direct meal services to students. Schools participating in the program must maintain nonprofit food service operations, keep comprehensive records of meal counting and claiming activities, and offer meals at free or reduced prices to eligible children in compliance with federal guidelines.