What is the SMP?
The USDA Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and child care institutions who do not participate in other federal meal service programs. The program reimburses sponsors for the milk they serve.
Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs also may participate in the Special Milk Program to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.
Helpful Information
Non-School Special Milk Program Information Sheet
Requirements for the USDA Non-School Special Milk Program
FFY 2022-2023 SMP reimbursement rate is $0.2700 / half pint (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023)
Fluid milk and non-dairy fluid milk substitutes must meet the requirements as outlined in 7 CFR Part 215.7a.
Types of fluid milk. 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.
Fluid milk must also meet the following requirements:
- 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.