Eleven Cents Per Meal: USDA Updates School Lunch Math
Published Date: 7/14/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting July 1, 2026, schools and care programs will get 11 cents worth of donated food or cash for every meal they serve during the 2026-2027 school year. This helps make sure kids and adults in these programs get nutritious meals without extra costs. The value adjusts yearly to keep up with food prices, so everyone stays supported and fed!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Schools Receive $0.32 Per Meal
Starting July 1, 2026, schools and institutions in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) will receive 32.00 cents in donated food value or cash in lieu for each lunch (NSLP) and each lunch and supper (CACFP) served through June 30, 2027. This rate is an increase of 1.5 cents from the prior school year.
Kids and Adults Get Funded Meals
You (children in school or people in child and adult care programs) will have meals supported by a national donated food value of 32.00 cents per lunch or per lunch and supper, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The increased value helps programs provide nutritious meals without charging extra to participants.
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