The Office of Non-Public Education has prepared a packet of information on obtaining surplus federal property. Child Nutrition Programs Introduction Child Nutrition Programs, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are open to participation by private schools. The National School Lunch and the National School Breakfast Programs provide cash and commodity assistance to schools that serve meals that meet the dietary requirements of the statute. Through this program, schools provide free or reduced-price meals to students that qualify under the poverty guidelines of the program, which are adjusted for family size. Other children may purchase meals at cost.
Schools receive reimbursement for each meal served.
The highest rates of reimbursement are provided for meals served to children eligible for free meals and reduced-price meals. The Special Milk Program reimburses participating schools for a portion of their expenditures in providing milk to students of all income ranges. Students may qualify for free milk under this program. Schools not participating in other federally funded food programs may participate. Contact information for each of the programs is listed in the program section.