What is the SMP?
The USDA Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other federal child nutrition meal service programs. The SMP reimburses agencies for each half pint (eight ounces) of milk served to eligible children.
To learn more about the Non-School SMP, check out the Non-School SMP Information Sheet and the Non-School SMP E-Learning Course
Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs also may participate in the School Nutrition SMP to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.
Join the Non-School SMP
For information on joining the Non-School SMP, check out the Join the Non-School SMP page.
Helpful Information
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Requirements for Non-School SMP Agencies
Non-School Special Milk Program Information Sheet
Annual Requirements for the USDA Non-School Special Milk Program
Reimbursement Rates
FFY 2024-2025 (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025) SMP reimbursement rate is $0.27/ half pint.
Allowable Milk Types
Fluid milk and non-dairy fluid milk substitutes must meet the requirements as outlined in 7 CFR Part 215.7a.
All fluid milk served in the Program must be pasteurized fluid milk which meets State and local standards for such milk, have vitamins A and D at levels specified by the Food and Drug Administration, and must be consistent with State and local standards for such milk. Lactose-free and reduced-lactose milk that meet the fat content and flavor specifications for each age group may also be offered.
The following milk types by age group are allowable:
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- Children 1 year old. Children one year of age must be served unflavored whole milk.
- Children 2 through 5 years old. Children two through five years old must be served either unflavored low-fat (1 percent) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk.
- Children 6 years old and older. Children 6 years old and older must be served low-fat (1 percent or less) or fat-free (skim) milk. Milk may be flavored or unflavored.