What does the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs offer?

The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are federally funded programs that assist schools and other agencies in providing nutritious meals to children at a low-cost or for free each school day. In addition to financial assistance, the programs provide donated commodity foods to help reduce breakfast and lunch costs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for overseeing the program nationally. In South Carolina, the program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), Office of Health and Nutrition.

What are the benefits of participating in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs?

For children, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides one-fourth and the National School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides a nutritious meal that contains one-third of the recommended dietary allowance of necessary nutrients.  For parents, the programs offer a convenient method of providing nutritionally balanced meals at the lowest possible prices. For schools, the programs enhance children's learning abilities by contributing to their physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that children whose nutritional needs are met have fewer attendance and discipline problems and are more attentive in class.

What is a Reimbursable Meal?

Reimbursable meals for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs have specific requirements based on the type of menu planning approach used. The three main menu planning approaches are Traditional Food-Based, Enhanced Food-Based, and Nutrient Standard Menu Planning.