With the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, PL 105 - 268, the U.S. Congress established a requirement for all local agencies (including public and nonpublic, as well
as Residential Child Care Institutions) with a federally - funded National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and
residential child care institutions.
Comments: Prior to this recommendation, USDA provided flexibility regarding the grade group calorie requirements to
residential child care institutions that demonstrate operational limitations to separating grade groups and meet other criteria.
Public and non-profit private schools and
residential child care institutions that chose to participate in NSLP and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) are required to serve meals that meet federal nutrition standards and strict food safety standards.