CNP meal reimbursement

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Maine Department of Education $1,280,526 on October 1, 2025, under the State Administrative Expenses for Child Nutrition program (CFDA 10.560) to fund reimbursement for Child Nutrition Program meal costs through September 30, 2027.

The award supports administrative expenses for supervising and providing technical assistance to local schools, school districts, and institutions conducting Child Nutrition Programs in Maine. The Maine Department of Education, as the state agency administering the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program, receives this allocation based on a formula tied to the state's prior-year expenditures under these programs. The department allocated $1,280,526 to Tri-State Staffing, Inc. (sub-award dated December 23, 2025) to assist with administering nonprofit lunch services for school children and supporting child nutrition program operations.

Funding is contingent upon approval of the state agency's initial administrative plan and entry into a written agreement with the Food and Nutrition Service. The Maine Department of Education may carry over up to twenty percent of allocated funds for obligation and expenditure in the succeeding fiscal year and is required to maintain current accounting records identifying fund authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, liabilities, outlays, and income. Performance occurs in Maine.