Latest News for School Nutrition Programs

2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act's Impact on Child Nutrition Programs

Published: 211 days ago
" On March 9, 2024, the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law that provides new guidelines for School Nutrition Program sodium targets, service of low-fat flavored milk, vegetable substitutions in the School Breakfast Program, procurement of poultry from China, and NSLP Paid Lunch Equity requirements for School Year 2024-2025.
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On March 9, 2024, the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law that provides new guidelines affecting the Child Nutrition Programs, as follows:
  • Current School Year 2023–2024 sodium limits for the School Nutrition Programs shall remain effective through School Year 2026–2027, after which sodium limits that may be included in any rulemaking, notice, or guidance will not be more restrictive than the established Target 2 sodium levels.
  • Service of low fat or fat free flavored milk in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) for grades Kindergarten through 12th grade and in the Child and Adult Care Food Program for participants 6 years of age and older remains allowable.
  • School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in SBP can continue to credit any vegetable offered, including potatoes and other starchy vegetables, in place of fruit without including vegetables from other sub-groups in the weekly menus.
  • No Child Nutrition Program funds can be used to procure raw or processed poultry products or seafood imported into the United States from the People’s Republic of China. -- SFAs with a zero or positive balance in their non-profit food service account as of June 30, 2023, are exempt from Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) requirements

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1. Mail:
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Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
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Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
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