Description

	Provides milk to children in schools and childcare institutions that do not participate in other federal child nutrition meal service programs.
	Requires that schools or institutions operate their milk programs on a nonprofit basis and agree to use the federal reimbursement to reduce the selling price of milk to all children.
	Allows schools or institutions to choose pasteurized fluid types of unflavored or flavored whole milk that meet State and local standards. All milk must contain vitamins A and D at levels specified by the Food and Drug Administration.
	Reimburses schools or institutions $0.17 for each half pint of milk served for July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008. For children who receive their milk free, the USDA reimburses schools the milk’s net purchase price.

Background

	The program is authorized by the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.
	It is administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service through State administering agencies and is operated through agreements with school food authorities.

Participants

	Any child at a participating school or half-day pre-kindergarten/kindergarten program. Children may buy milk or receive it free, depending on the school’s choice of program options.
	Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast programs may also participate and provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.
	96.8 million half pints were served in FY 2006.

Budget

	$15.2 million in FY 2006.
	$14.1 million in FY 2007 (est).

Contact Information

For complete information, visit www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/milk  or contact your State agency that administers the SMP. View Agency listings at www.fns.usda.gov/cnd, select “Contact Us,” then “School Meal Programs.”

Last modified: October 2007