Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) awarded $5.84 million to the American Samoa Department of Education under the National School Lunch Program (CFDA 10.555) on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2027. This formula grant provides cash subsidies and USDA Foods to support the delivery of nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to eligible school children throughout American Samoa's public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions.

Under this award, participating schools receive federal reimbursement for each qualifying meal served while maintaining compliance with federal meal pattern requirements and nonprofit operation standards. The American Samoa Department of Education, as the designated state agency administrator, is responsible for determining school eligibility, reviewing written applications from school food authorities, and establishing federal-state agreements for program participation. Sub-awarded funds support school food authorities in providing free or reduced-price meals to eligible children and may extend to reimbursement for snacks served in approved afterschool programs with educational or enrichment components. All participating schools must ensure meal services are available to all children without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability.