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The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Nebraska Department of Education $72,520,137 on October 1, 2025, under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555), a formula grant funding child nutrition services statewide.

The award funds the delivery of nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to school children across Nebraska through participating public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. Participating school districts receive cash subsidies and USDA Foods for reimbursable meals served. Schools must comply with federal meal pattern requirements and offer lunches at free or reduced prices to eligible children. School food authorities may also claim reimbursement for snacks served to children in approved afterschool programs with educational or enrichment components.

The Nebraska Department of Education, as the state agency administering the program, determines school eligibility, reviews written applications from school food authorities, and executes written participation agreements with schools and institutions. The state agency reviews school records covering finances, meal pricing, menu planning, production, and meal counting to ensure program compliance.

The award covers the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with place of performance in Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of Education passes the majority of this funding through sub-awards to local school districts, educational service units, and child care institutions to operate meal services at the school and facility level.