CNP CN block programs total consolidated

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Montana Office of Public Instruction $41.741 million on October 1, 2025, under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555) to provide nutritious nonprofit lunch service for school children across Montana through September 30, 2026.

The Montana Office of Public Instruction serves as the state administrative agency responsible for operating the National School Lunch Program statewide. The program provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to children each school day; participating school districts receive cash subsidies and USDA Foods for each reimbursable meal served. In exchange, participating schools must serve lunches meeting Federal meal pattern requirements and offer meals at free or reduced price to eligible children.

The award carries 102 sub-awards distributed to local school districts, educational institutions, and state entities across Montana, all dated March 24, 2026. Sub-recipients include school districts ranging from large urban systems such as Billings School District 2, Butte School District 1, and Missoula County Public Schools to rural and small school districts throughout the state. Tribal entities including the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and Lame Deer Elementary receive program funding. Specialized recipients include the Montana Children's Home and Hospital (Shodair Children's Hospital), the Department of Corrections Montana, and the Department of Military Affairs Montana. The Montana Office of Public Instruction distributes these funds as pass-through awards enabling each recipient to deliver school meal programs, including nutritional support services at participating schools and residential child care institutions within their jurisdiction.