Child Nutrition Programs

USDA's child nutrition programs help ensure that children receive nutritious meals and snacks that promote health and educational readiness. These programs are administered by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, with a total cost of more than $23 billion in fiscal year 2019. More than 61 percent of total costs were allocated to the National School Lunch Program. ERS conducts research on USDA's child nutrition programs and their role in children's food security, diets, and well-being. See the report:

ERS also examines challenges faced by child nutrition programs. For example, how do schools respond to changes in school meal programs mandated by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010? See the report: 

Information about program eligibility requirements, benefits, and the application process is available from the Food and Nutrition Service.

For information and research results on individual programs administered by USDA that exclusively or primarily serve the nutritional needs of children, see:

• National School Lunch Program
• School Breakfast Program
• Child and Adult Care Food Program
• Summer Food Service Program
• After-School Snacks and Suppers