What is the Special Milk Program ?
The Special Milk Program in the United States, also referred to as the School Milk Program, offers federal reimbursements for milk provided to children in an outlet that qualifies for participation, such as a school, settlement house, homeless shelter, summer camp or child care institutions.
Children in schools and other institutions that do not take part in other Federal meal service programs are given milk under the Special Milk Program (SMP). The SMP program reimburses institutions and school for the milk they serve. The Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture oversees the administration of this federal aid program.
For students enrolled in half‐day pre‐kindergarten and kindergarten programs who do not have access to the school meal programs, schools that engage in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also take part in the Special Milk Program.
Key Facts of Special Milk Program
- Schools and other institutions are reimbursed by the SMP for milk served.
- Children in approved camps, child care facilities, and schools can get milk under the Special Milk Program.
- For milk purchased outside of other U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs, the SMP offers reimbursement.
- If the milk is given to students who do not have access to the school meal programs, participating schools in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program may also participate in the SMP.
How Does the Special Milk Program Works ?
In order to improve milk consumption among kids in schools and daycare facilities that don't take part in other federal meal service programs, the Special Milk Program (SMP) was started in 1955. The Special Milk Program was added to the Child Nutrition Act in 1966.
The federal program is run by the Food and Nutrition Service. The Special Milk Program is often managed at the state level by State education agencies, who carry out the program through contracts with school food authority.
For each age group, the SMP specifies the type of milk that is needed.
- Age 1 : Unflavored whole milk.
- Ages 2-5: Unflavored fat-free milk or unflavored low-fat (1%) milk.
- Ages 6 and older : Unflavored low-fat (1%) milk, flavored fat-free milk or unflavored fat-free milk.
Milk must adhere to all national, state, and local standards and must include the recommended amounts of vitamins A and D.
Schools must apply for enrollment in the Special Milk Program and provide meals to students who would not otherwise have access to them. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pays participating schools and organisations for each half-pint of milk served. The participating schools commit to use the federal reimbursement to reduce the cost of milk for all students while still operating their milk programs on a non-profit basis.
No matter their FARMS (Free and Reduced Meal Service) status, any child in a participating school or half-day pre-kindergarten program is eligible to receive milk under the Special Milk Program.
Who is Eligible for Special Milk Program ?
Any child at a participating institution or school may receive half pints of milk through the Special Milk Program. Free milk is available through the SMP to children whose households meet the income eligibility guidelines for free school meals. For information on income eligibility, please visit the School Meals Income Eligibility Guidelines webpage.
Generally speaking, qualifying camps and public or nonprofit private residential child care facilities serving students in grades 9 through 12 as well as public or nonprofit private schools may participate in the Special Milk Program. The United States pays participating school and organisations.
Milk programs at participating institutions must be run on a non-profit basis. An institution must not take part in other federally funded meal programs like the National School Lunch Program in order to be eligible for the Special Milk Program.
How Much Federal Reimbursement do Schools Get ?
In the school year 2022-2023, the federal reimbursement for each half-pint of milk sold to children is 27.00 cents. The USDA reimburses schools for the net purchase price of the milk for students who receive free milk.
The USDA reimburses schools for the net cost of the milk for students who receive free milk. Visit the FNS website for the most recent reimbursement rates.
How to Apply for Special Milk Program ?
To learn more, potential applicants may contact their State agency (State Contact). On the website of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), you can find contact details for state agencies.
Special Milk Program Contact
Contact the State agency in your state that is in charge of the program's administration for details on how the Special Milk Program and all other Child Nutrition Programs are run.
On the website of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), you can find contact details for state agencies. Call 1-202-720-9113 or visit the FNS Contact webpage to identify particular FNS contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
To whom does the law applicable?
The state agencies and child care facilities that manage the Special Milk Program are subject to the SMP confidentiality restrictions.
What is special milk?
Children in schools and childcare facilities who do not take part in other federal meal service programs are given milk under the Special Milk Program (SMP). The initiative pays schools back for the milk they provide.
What purpose did the school milk program serve?
The Milk Program was created to increase milk consumption among schoolchildren as well as provide dairy farmers with a sort of agricultural subsidy.
What types of milk can be offered?
Only pasteurized fluid varieties of fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk, whether flavored or unflavored, are permitted in schools and other institutions. These milks must satisfy the Food and Drug Administration's requirements for vitamin A and D.
How does the reimbursement work?
The number of half pints of milk provided determines how much is reimbursed to sponsors. The federal reimbursement rate varies for each program year. For the most updated reimbursement rates, see the Special Milk website. The USDA reimburses schools for the net cost of the milk for pupils who receive free milk.
How Does the Special Milk Program Operate?
Each half-pint of milk provided is reimbursed by the USDA to participating schools and institutions. Their milk programs must be run on a non-profit basis. They consent to lower milk prices for all kids by using the federal reimbursement.
What varieties of milk may be provided, and what nutritional requirements for special milk program application?
There must only be pasteurized fluid varieties of fat-free or low-fat (1%), milk available in schools or institutions. All municipal and state requirements for these milks must be met. Vitamin A and D levels recommended by the Food and Drug Administration should be present in all milk.
How do child become qualify for free milk?
Any child from a family that satisfies the income requirements for free lunches is eligible when local school officials provide low-income children with free milk under the program. Every year, a family with each child must apply to be eligible for free milk.
What is the cost of the SMP?
The Special Milk Program cost $12.3 million in Fiscal Year 2012. In contrast, the program's costs in 1970, 1980, 1990, and 2000 were $101.2 million, $145.2 million, $19.1 million, and $15.4 million, respectively.
Who Can Take Part in SMP?
The SMP provides milk to each student enrolled in a kindergarten program or school that participates. Depending on the school's choice of program options, children may purchase milk or receive it for free. Any child from a home that satisfies the income requirements for free meals and milk is eligible when local school officials give free milk under the program.