United States
Special Milk Program (SMP)
The SMP in U.S. offers federal reimbursements for milk provided to children in an outlet that qualifies for participation, such as a school, homeless shelter or child care institutions.
The SMP is run by the FNS and often managed at the state level by State education agencies, who carry out program through contracts with school food authority.
Any child at participating institution or school may receive half pints of milk. SMP available to children whose households meet the income eligibility guidelines for free school meals.
In school year 2022-2023, the federal reimbursement for each half-pint of milk sold to children is 27.00 cents. The USDA reimburses schools for the net purchase price of the milk for students.
For each age group, the SMP specifies the type of milk that is needed. Only pasteurized fluid varieties of fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk, whether flavored or unflavored are permitted.