Access to balanced meals with nutrient-rich foods is critical to support the health, development, and academic potential of all students. Maryland participates in several of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs listed below to reduce food and nutrition insecurity, meet the nutrition needs of local communities, and ensure children are ready to learn at school. You can learn more about the benefits and logistics of each program below.
The Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs (OSCNP) at the Maryland State Department of Education provides leadership in administering five federal nutrition programs and state nutrition initiatives. OSCNP collaborates with community partners and stakeholders to maximize access for program participants to enhance their health and readiness to learn.
Have questions about Medicaid or SUN Bucks?
For information and/or questions about Medicaid matching for free or reduced-price school meals, contact the
Maryland Department of Health.
For information and/or questions about the SUN Bucks Program, visit the
Maryland Department of Human Services.
Our Programs
Afterschool Meals Program
The Afterschool Meals Program may be administered as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to offer either snack or supper.
Child and Adult Care Food Program
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides nutritionally balanced meals that contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children, and the health and wellness of older adults and people with chronic disabilities.
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
A meal service option that allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to enrolled students, without collecting household income applications.
Farm to School Program
Farm to school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and childcare sites.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Children at eligible Maryland elementary schools are introduced to a wide variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program (FFVP).
National School Lunch Program
Providing access to balanced meals with nutrient-rich foods is critical to support the health, development, and academic potential of all students.
School Breakfast Program
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides children with a nutritious meal that studies show is correlated with higher test scores, decreased emotional and behavioral problems, reduced food insecurity, less frequent visits to the nurse, and fewer school absences.
Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. When school is out, SFSP provides free meals in low-income areas to kids and teens 18 years and younger.
USDA Foods
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods in Schools program supports domestic nutrition programs and American agricultural producers through purchases of 100% American-grown and -produced foods for use by schools.
Eligibility
Interested in operating a Child Nutrition Program?
Family Child Care Providers:
Review the Sponsoring Agency contact information
All others:
Call 410-767-0199 to speak with OSCNP staff to determine whether your agency is eligible to participate in a Child Nutrition Program.