National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is designed to promote the health and well-being of children by providing nutritious meals to children. Public school districts, private schools, residential child care institutions (RCCIs), and Charter Schools may participate in school meal programs.

Local Education Agencies (LEAs) participating in the NSLP in Washington state may implement various meal service options such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), Provision 2, and House Bill (HB) 1238. Refer to the Comparison of Meal Service Options chart and the State Funding Flow Chart to help you determine the requirements for each meal service option.

Districts Administering the NSLP

• Start here to become a new Sponsor
• Program Application, Materials, and Requirements
• National School Lunch Program Newsletter Updates
• Claims and Reimbursement Rates

Program Operations

• Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Provision 2- The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Provision 2 provide an alternative approach for offering school meals at schools in low-income areas.
• House Bill 1238—Meals for Washington Students- Beginning SY 2023–24, elementary schools where 30% or more of enrolled children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals are required to provide meals at no cost to all students.
• Food Service Management Companies (FSMC)- Program sponsors may contract with a commercial enterprise or nonprofit organization that manages any aspect of the organization’s food service program.
• Menu Planning and Meal Patterns-Discover the components of the nutritious, well-balanced, and age-appropriate meals served.
• Meal Application and Verification Information- Meal application availability and the verification of submitted applications are important requirements that help to ensure integrity in School Meal Programs.
• Purchasing/ Procurement for Federal Programs - Sponsors are reimbursed through OSPI with funds from the USDA. Receiving public funds means sponsors are responsible to follow ethical business and purchasing practices set by USDA regulations.
• Reference Sheets-This guide provides information on program requirements and links to requirements and tools for compliance.

Elevate Your Program

• Farm to School- Farm to school connects communities with fresh, healthy food by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early care and education sites.
• Training- Annual trainings and topics to expand your program knowledge.
• Power Up Your Program with Team Nutrition - The USDA's Team Nutrition initiative supports training and nutrition education to enhance child nutrition programs.
  • 2025–26 Recruitment Flyer - Join Power Up Your Program for action-focused training and collaboration with Child Nutrition Program peers from across Washington. Choose one of four learning pathways: Nutrition Education, Program Promotion & Marketing, Culturally Inclusive Meals, or Local Wellness Policies.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.