Federal Grant Award Summary

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction received a $11.44 million Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child Nutrition Division (CFDA 10.555) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, to administer the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) across North Dakota. The grant provides cash subsidies and USDA Foods to support nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunch service delivery in participating public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. The state education agency utilizes these funds to reimburse school food authorities for meals served to eligible students while ensuring compliance with federal nutrition standards and meal pattern requirements.

NDDPI distributed the award through 62 sub-grants to local school districts, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, and community-based entities throughout North Dakota. Major sub-awardees include Fargo Public Schools, West Fargo Public Schools, Jamestown Public Schools, and numerous rural school districts and private schools (including Christ King Church School, Light of Christ Catholic Schools, and Grace Lutheran School). Sub-grants covered four primary NSLP categories: paid meals, free/reduced-price meals, and meal reimbursements for specific populations. Additionally, three sub-awardees—Community Action Region VI, Hit Inc., and Sen Dakota Community Action Agency—received funding for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to support nutrition services in family child care homes and early childhood education programs. This comprehensive distribution network ensures that students across rural and urban North Dakota have access to federally-supported nutrition assistance.