Special Milk Program (SMP)
What is the Special Milk Program?
The Special Milk Program provides financial reimbursement to schools and institutions for serving milk to children at reasonable prices. Through the SMP, schools, child care institutions and eligible camps serve milk to children that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. During School Year 2005-2006, four schools participated in the Special Milk Program in the District of Columbia and nearly 87,000 cartons of milk were provided to children.
 
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
The Special Milk Program provides a nutritious beverage, rich in calcium and vitamins A and D, which aids in the development of strong bones and teeth. The program provides parents a low-cost, convenient method of ensuring that their children receive a healthy and delicious beverage when they are away from home. Schools benefit by helping their students take at least one step in a direction that can enhance academic performance--good nutrition.
Which schools and institutions can participate?
Institutions that do not participate in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child Care Food Program, or Summer Food Service Program for Children are eligible to participate in the Special Milk Program. This includes public and private nonprofit schools, licensed residential child care institutions (e.g., group homes, juvenile halls, orphanages), nursery schools, child care centers, settlement houses and summer camps. An exception is made for those private nonprofit institutions that participate in the above mentioned child nutrition programs, but have half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs. In this situation, the institution may participate in the Special Milk Program, and milk served in the half-day kindergarten program may be claimed for reimbursement.
What is involved in operating a Special Milk Program?
Participating schools and institutions receive reimbursement from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for each half-pint of milk served. They must operate their milk programs on a non-profit basis. Two different methods may be used when charging for milk:
- The price charged for milk may be included in the tuition or camping fee so that all children automatically receive milk. This is called a "non-pricing" program.
- There can be a separate charge for milk, so that the purchase of milk is optional. This is called a "pricing" program. If there is a separate charge for milk (a pricing program), the agency may choose to provide milk at no charge to children who qualify for free milk, according to specific family size and income standards.
The institution must keep records that document that the milk program follows all federal and state rules and regulations. Some of the records that must be kept are:
- The number of half-pints of milk served each day, by site, and if applicable, by category (free milk and purchased milk).
- Applications for free milk submitted by the families, by site, if milk is provided at no charge to eligible children.
- Inventory records which document the amounts and types of milk used.
- Records of income, expenditures, and contributions received.
What type of milk must be offered and what are the nutritional requirements for the milk program?
Schools or institutions may choose pasteurized fluid types of unflavored or flavored whole milk, low-fat milk, skim milk and cultured buttermilk that meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. All milk should contain vitamins A and D at levels specified by the FDA.
How do children qualify for free milk?
When an institution offers free milk under the program to low-income children, any child from a family that meets specified income criteria for free meals is eligible. Eligibility determinations are made by an official at each institution and are based on family size and income information provided on an application submitted by a parent or guardian. Income eligibility guidelines* are derived from the federal poverty guidelines and are updated annually. Each child's family must apply annually for free milk eligibility.
How much do institutions get reimbursed?
The Special Milk Program is operated on a reimbursement basis, with agencies paid based on the number of half-pints of milk served. The reimbursement rate for each half-pint of milk sold to children in School Year 2006-2007 is 14.5 cents. The amount of reimbursement for milk that is provided free of charge to eligible children, is equal to the average cost paid by the institution for each half-pint of milk.
How can we get assistance?
Nutrtion Services program specialists are available to provide schools with free technical assistance on how to operate a Special Milk Program.
Whom do we contact?
For information on the Special Milk Program, contact the District of Columbia, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Nutrition Services Department, 441 4th Street NW, Suite 350N, Washington, DC, 20001; (202) 727-6436.
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