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The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education $11,796,233 on October 1, 2025, under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555), a formula grant providing cash assistance to states for nutritious nonprofit lunch service in schools and to encourage domestic consumption of agricultural commodities.

The award funds Rhode Island's administration of the National School Lunch Program statewide, supporting the provision of nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to school children across public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. RI DESE, as the state agency, determines school eligibility, reviews applications from school food authorities, and executes written participation agreements with schools and institutions. Participating schools receive cash subsidies and USDA Foods for each reimbursable meal served and must maintain records of nonprofit food service operations available for state agency review. Schools must offer lunches at free or reduced price to eligible children and serve meals meeting Federal meal pattern requirements.

The period of performance runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The obligated amount is $11,796,233. Place of performance is Rhode Island. RI DESE, a state education agency, serves as the prime recipient and subsequently distributes resources to participating local educational agencies, school districts, and schools across the state for direct program implementation.