State Administrative Expenses for Child Nutrition

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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$509.9M FY2026
$483.6M
FY24
$497.5M
FY25
$509.9M
FY26*
* estimated

Program Objective

To provide each State agency with funds for its administrative expenses in supervising and giving technical assistance to local schools, school districts and institutions in their conduct of Child Nutrition Programs. State agencies that administer the distribution of USDA Foods to schools and child or adult care institutions are also provided with State Administrative Expense (SAE) funds.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Department/Agency of U.S. State
  • Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov

State agencies responsible for the administration of the Child Nutrition Programs and agencies responsible for the distribution of USDA Foods to schools and child or adult care institutions, including agencies in the U.S. Territories, may apply.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

All funding is provided to child nutrition program State agencies via a federal state agreement. Release of funds to a State agency is contingent upon approval of the State agency's initial SAE plan.

Award Procedure

Release of funds to a State agency is contingent upon approval of the State agency's initial SAE plan. Upon approval of the plan, the State agency and FNS enter into a written agreement. FNS will determine the amount of SAE funds available for payment to the State agency, specify the terms and conditions of the State agency's annual grant, and make funds available for payment via a letter of credit.

Program details & compliance

Description

To each State which administers the National School Lunch, School Breakfast or Special Milk Programs an amount equal to one (1) percent of the funds expended by such State during the second preceding fiscal year under sections 4 and 11 of the National School Lunch Act, as amended, and sections 3, 4 and 17A of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended.

To each State which administers the Child and Adult Care Food Program an amount equal to the sum of: Twenty percent of the first $50,000; ten percent of the next $100,000; five percent of the next $250,000; and two and one-half percent of any remaining funds expended within the State under section 17 of the National School Lunch Act, as amended, during the second preceding fiscal year. FNS may adjust the amount of any such allocation in accordance with changes in the size of the Child and Adult Care Food Program in a State.

Mission Categories

Primary: Food and Nutrition for Children

Other categories:
Food Security

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

SAE funds must be used for purposes specified in the legislation, consistent with the cost principles and constraints on allowable and unallowable costs, and indirect cost rates as prescribed in government wide guidance at 2 CFR Part 200. These funds may be used, under certain conditions, for the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services.

Restrictions

All costs must be reasonable, necessary and allocable.

Required Documentation

Costs are to be determined and documented in accordance with agency regulations (7 CFR 235).

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required
Yes — Annual
Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Formula

Section 7 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966

Contacts

Cynthia Long — Director, Child Nutrition Division
7033052590
Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-03. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:36:57.