The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the reimbursement rates for School Food Service Programs effective July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027 (SY 26-27). Breakfasts and lunches will continue to be counted and claimed by the income eligibility category and reimbursed at the federal "free" rate. The state share is based on a state matching funds formula established at the federal level.
Federal Severe Need Lunch Rate — Schools in which 60% or more of the lunches served in SY 24-25 were free or reduced price will receive an additional 2 cents per lunch for all reimbursable lunches.
Performance-Based Certification Rate — School Food Authorities that meet the requirements outlined in the final rule for Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch Program and approved will receive an additional 9 cents for each reimbursable lunch.
School Breakfast Program — A "severe need breakfast school" is one in which 40% of lunches served through SY24-25 were free or reduced price eligible. Severe Need Breakfast schools will be eligible for up to $0.095 of state funds for each reimbursable breakfast for breakfast costs that exceed Federal Severe Need Reimbursement. These designated schools must provide documentation of costs through the monthly claim process to receive this additional state reimbursement.
Special Milk reimbursement is $0.28 per half pint. Special milk recipients may not participate in other child nutrition programs. Pricing programs with the free milk option receive the average cost per pint for eligible students.
After School Snack Reimbursement ("All Free Snacks" are reimbursed at the Free Rate of $1.30).
Adult Meal Pricing Guidelines — Adult meal charges must be priced at the Federal reimbursement for a free student lunch plus the United States Department of Agriculture USDA Foods per meal value; inclusive of covering the cost of preparing and serving the meal and must be charged state meals tax.
Paid Lunch Equity in Meal Pricing — Pursuant to FY 2027 State Budget funding, school meals will be free of charge this school year.
The United States Department of Agriculture USDA Foods assistance level (the National School Lunch Program NSLP rate) is $0.47 per lunch served for SY 26-27. The published per meal rate from the Federal Register for SY 26-27 is $0.32 cents.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Last Updated: August 12, 2026