CNP CN block prog

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Tennessee Department of Human Services $71.214 million on October 1, 2025, under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555) formula grant 265TN331N1199, obligating funds through September 30, 2026, to provide cash grants and USDA Foods supporting nutritious nonprofit lunch service for school children across Tennessee.

The award funds the state agency's administration and pass-through distribution of meals and meal reimbursements to child care centers, preschools, after-school programs, and day care facilities across Tennessee through the Child Nutrition Block Meals Reimbursement program. The Tennessee Department of Human Services distributes sub-awards to over 100 sub-recipients—including child care providers, learning centers, nonprofits, community action agencies, churches, head start programs, and local governments—that prepare and serve nutritious meals to children enrolled in their facilities. Sub-recipients range from sole proprietorships and small businesses (such as Stay-N-Play Learning Preschool, Little Lamb Child Care, and Cuddle Bugs Learning Center) to larger institutions (Kindercare Education LLC, Tennessee Technological University, Southwest Tennessee Community College, and the City of Nashville). Each sub-recipient receives monthly or periodic CN Block Meals Reimbursement allocations that reimburse the cost of providing federally compliant meals; combined sub-recipient obligations visible in the award record total approximately $71.2 million.

The award obligates $71.214 million and runs October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with place of performance in Tennessee. This formula grant operates under the permanent National School Lunch Program authority and channels federal support to schools and institutions through state administration and sub-recipient meal provision networks.