National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) helps schools and residential child care institutions provide nutritious meals to children each school day. Participating sponsors receive federal reimbursement for eligible meals served and access to USDA Foods to support meal service. In addition to federal reimbursement, public schools may receive state funding support. Reimbursement and USDA Foods entitlement are based on the number of eligible meals served.

National School Lunch Program | Food and Nutrition Administration

To become a sponsor of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), an organization must be an eligible school and demonstrate an ability to meet USDA and state requirements to operate the program.

To apply to participate in NSLP:

1. Submit an Application for Intent to Participate to USBE Child Nutrition Programs by November 15 before the school year you plan to begin participation.

2. Applying organizations must complete required training and the approval process before operating the program.

Schools already participating in NSLP under an approved sponsor do not need to submit a new Application for Intent to Participate each year. The annual contact renewal process is separate and completed at the LEA level.

Approved schools may also qualify for alternative meal service options:

Provisions 1, 2, and 3
These options reduce some requirements related to annual free and reduced-price eligibility determinations and daily meal counts by eligibility category.

NSLP Provisions 1, 2, and 3 | Food and Nutrition Administration

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
CEP allows eligible high-poverty schools and districts to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household meal applications. Reimbursement is determined using a formula based on participation in certain means-tested programs.

Community Eligibility Provision | Food and Nutrition Administration

Need help getting started?
Contact USBE Child Nutrition Programs

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Learning Portal is an online tool for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to request specific professional learning, technical assistance, or training support from the USBE.

For more information visit the USBE Learning Portal webpage.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Utah State Board of Education Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) provide many program resources to help sponsors operate a successful program.

Forms

CNP Pre-Approved Equipment List
CNP Equipment Purchase Request Form
Exempted Fundraiser Application for Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Medical Statement to Request Special Meals, Accommodations, Milk Substitutions | Declaración médica para solicitar comidas especiales, adaptaciones, sustitutos de
Medical Authority Checklist: Foods to Exclude and Substitute | Lista de verificación de la autoridad médica: Alimentos que se deben evitar y sustituir

Resources

Menus and Meal Planning:

Professional Standards:

Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals | Food and Nutrition Administration

Program Resources:

For information about waivers for sponsors regarding meal pattern requirements, contact a Utah State Board of Education CNP Specialist or Email us.

State agencies reimburse School Food Authorities (SFAs) for snacks in accordance with the reimbursement rates prescribed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA). The reimbursement rates are adjusted annually.

School Meals Reimbursement Rates | Food and Nutrition Administration

Claims

Claims for reimbursement for this program are due to the Utah State Board of Education monthly using the approved Child Nutrition software system. For monthly due dates, visit USBE's Financial Operations Website, and select Utah Grants to view Utah Grants Reimbursement Schedule.

Submit claims within 60 days after the claimed month.

You can amend claims within 60 days or anytime during the fiscal year for fewer meals.

In coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) our office distributes policy memorandums to provide guidance and clarify program requirements and regulations.

Memorandum: New Bulletin Distribution Explanation
A quick tutorial on how our office structures and distributes policy.

School Meals: Policy Allows you to search for current and archived USDA/FNA published policy memorandums

TA 01-2026 Resources for Procuring Local Foods in School Year 2026-2027.

USBE Child Nutrition Programs conducts Administrative Reviews of School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and related school nutrition programs. Reviews evaluate compliance with federal program requirements and may include other school nutrition programs operated by the SFA, such as Afterschool Snacks, the Seamless Summer Option, Special Milk Program, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

Review Results Summary

Federal regulations require state agencies to make a summary of the most recent Administrative Review results available to the public in an accessible, easily understood format (7 CFR 210.18(m)).

USBE | CNP NSLP Administrative Review Summary

Administrative Review Areas

The Administrative Review covers two Critical Areas and several General Program Areas (7 CFR 210.18). The objective of the review is to determine program compliance, provide technical assistance, address items requiring corrective action, and assess fiscal action (as applicable). Follow-up and high risk SFAs may require additional reviews within the USDA approved review cycle.

Other Federal Programs

USDA may approve waivers of certain Child Nutrition Program requirements when statutory requirements are met. Eligible service providers requesting a waiver must submit the request through USBE Child Nutrition Programs for review and submission to USDA.

Child Nutrition Program Waiver Request Guidance and Protocol- Revised Policy Memo | Food and Nutrition Administration