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USDA Foods Entitlement Meal Rate SY 2025–26

On August 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provided an updated estimated value of USDA Foods for School Year (SY) 2025–26. The new entitlement rate for each reimbursable lunch served by school food authorities (SFAs) participating in the Food Distribution Program (FDP) is 45 cents, which is the same as the previous SY. This includes the per meal rate (30.50 cents) plus the 12 percent provision dollars, and the $20 million breakfast dollars for National School Lunch Program.

Currently, there are no adjustments to the entitlement amount for SY 2025–26. Entitlement levels will be reviewed and adjusted as appropriate once the USDA has finalized the total lunches served count for SY 2024–25. This is expected to occur in November 2025.

For more information on the FDP and how entitlement is calculated, visit the California Department of Education’s (CDE) USDA Foods Program Information web page.

If you have any questions regarding this subject, please contact the Food Distribution Program by email at FoodDistribution@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Thursday, August 28, 2025
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