The Breakfast Program Law, authorized by Chapter 346 of the Acts of 1986, requires schools meeting the following guidelines to make the Breakfast Program available to students. Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the School Breakfast Program. A child whose family meets income criteria may receive a free or reduced-price breakfast. The Federal government then reimburses the schools for each meal served that meets program nutritional requirements. Children from families over 185 percent of poverty pay a full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent.
Schools submit a claim to their state agency for meals served.
USDA reimburses the State, which in turn reimburses the local school food authority. For school year 1999-2000, the Federal government reimburses schools at the following rates can be found on our financial management page. More than 70 percent of the breakfasts served in School Breakfast Program receive the severe-need subsidy. Reimbursement payments for all meals are higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Schools may charge no more than 30 cents for a reduced-price breakfast.