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The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Alabama State Department of Education $366.075 million on October 1, 2025, under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555), a formula grant funding the provision of nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to school children across Alabama through October 1, 2026.

ALSDE administers the award as the state agency responsible for determining school eligibility, reviewing written applications from school food authorities, and maintaining federal-state participation agreements. The department passes through funding to local school districts and independent schools, which receive cash subsidies and USDA Foods for each reimbursable meal served. Participating schools must serve lunches meeting Federal meal pattern requirements and offer them at free or reduced price to eligible children, while maintaining full and accurate nonprofit food service records for state agency review.

The award funds meal service in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions throughout Alabama. School food authorities may also claim reimbursement for snacks served to children in approved afterschool programs that include educational or enrichment activities.