CNP CN block programs total consolidated

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Maine Department of Education $56,380,624 in formula grant funding for the National School Lunch Program on October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The funding assists states in providing nutritious nonprofit lunch service for school children and encourages domestic consumption of nutritious agricultural commodities through cash grants and food donations.

The Maine Department of Education, as the state agency recipient, administers the award and distributes funds to sub-recipients across Maine to operate school lunch programs. Sub-recipients include 78 named local educational agencies, school districts, regional school units, tribal governments, childcare and learning centers, community action organizations, and other nonprofits that deliver meal services. Schools and institutions participating in the program operate nonprofit food service operations available to all children regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability, and agree to serve lunches meeting federal meal pattern requirements at free or reduced price to eligible children. School food authorities submit applications to the state agency for eligibility determination and enter written program participation agreements.

The period of performance runs October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with place of performance in Maine. The assistance type is a formula grant. Sub-awards to participating local programs were awarded July 21, 2026. The program is permanent and effective upon state agency approval, with the state agency responsible for reviewing applications, determining school eligibility, maintaining records of nonprofit food service operations including finances, menu planning, and meal counting and claiming, and making records available for state and federal review.