USDA Programs Monitored by Maine Department of Education
The Maine Department of Education oversees several USDA Food and Nutrition Services programs and initiatives that provide healthy food to children. Each of these programs helps fight hunger and obesity.
Below are brief descriptions of the programs and initiatives.
If you have any questions regarding any of the Child Nutrition Programs,
please contact a member of the Child Nutrition Staff
Afterschool Snack Service
Provide after school snacks to children participating in structured educational programs. Schools with more than 50% free and reduced students provide the snacks free to any participating student.
Breakfast Program (SBP)
Federally funded program that receives additional financial support in Maine to increase participation and acknowledge the importance of breakfast in improving learning.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)
The program provides a grant to elementary schools that are 50% or greater free and reduced. The funds are used to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to children outside of the school meals, often served as a snack. This program has helped students try new foods and increases their consumption of fruits and vegetables during the day.
Lunch Program (NSLP)
The National School Lunch Program provides low-cost or free healthy meals to children. Schools must follow federally established guidelines.
Summer Food Service (SFSP)
The National School Lunch Program provides low-cost or free healthy meals to children. Schools must follow federally established guidelines.
USDA Food Program
Provides food to schools to help reduce plate cost. The program offers frozen vegetables, grains, meat, canned fruits, and fresh vegetables and fruit.
Culinary Classroom
The Culinary Classroom promotes scratch cooking throughout all Child Nutrition programs. We offer the opportunity to brush up on your culinary skills or even learn new ones. Recipes, instructional videos and more can be found here.
Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federally funded nutrition program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). The program's purpose is to ensure that nutritious meals and snacks are served to eligible children and adults in qualifying care facilities.
Farm and Sea to School
The Farm and Sea to School Program promotes the use of Maine grown, raised, and caught ingredients in the delivery of meals to students throughout the state. Harvest of the Month program information found here.
Other Child Nutrition Resources
- Healthier School Day Students are getting healthier and more nutritious food in school. Thanks to the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, improvements are being made across the country to transform school food and to promote better nutrition and reduce obesity. Use this link to access the School Day Just got Healthier Campaign.
- Special Milk Program Provides milk to children in schools and nonprofit summer camps who do not participate in other federal meal service programs. The program provides reimbursement for the milk they serve to children.
- Team Nutrition (TN) An initiative of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to support the Child Nutrition Programs through training and technical assistance for food service, nutrition education for children and their caregivers, and school and community support for healthy eating and physical activity.