Federal Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded $19.96 million in formula grant funding to the South Carolina Department of Social Services under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award provides cash subsidies and USDA Foods to support the delivery of nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to eligible school children throughout South Carolina. The State agency utilizes these funds to reimburse participating public and nonprofit private schools, as well as residential child care institutions, for meals served while ensuring compliance with federal nutritional requirements and meal pattern standards.

Under this formula grant, the South Carolina Department of Social Services serves as the prime recipient and administers the program statewide, including determining school eligibility, managing written participation agreements with schools and institutions, and maintaining comprehensive records of nonprofit food service operations. The department sub-awards portions of grant funding to local school districts, charter schools, and community entities to facilitate direct meal service delivery. Participating schools must operate nonprofit food service operations available to all children regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability, and households may apply for free or reduced-price meals based on eligibility criteria established by the Food and Nutrition Service.