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The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Department of Early Care & Learning Georgia $129,091,380 on October 1, 2025, under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555), a formula grant providing cash subsidies and food donations to support nutritious nonprofit lunch service in schools and residential child care institutions throughout Georgia.

The award funds the state agency's administration of the program, including determining school eligibility, reviewing applications from school food authorities, establishing written participation agreements, and maintaining oversight of nonprofit food service operations. Participating schools and institutions receive reimbursement for meals served to children at free or reduced prices and may claim additional reimbursement for approved afterschool snacks. Schools must meet federal meal pattern requirements and maintain records on finances, menu planning, meal counting, and claims for state agency review.

Performance runs through September 30, 2026, with all work performed in Georgia. The Department of Early Care & Learning Georgia, operating as Bright From The Start, administers multiple child nutrition initiatives funded by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, including pass-through awards to sub-recipients such as Albany State University, Maximus Human Services Inc., and Quality Care For Children Inc. for targeted services including summer transition learning programs and farm-to-school initiatives.