The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools,child care institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) that have half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where those children do not have access to the school meal programs may also participate in the SMP program and provide milk to those children.
OSSE’s Division of Health and Wellness School Programs Team administers the SMP for the District of Columbia.
Schools must apply to participate in the SMP on an annual basis, applications are accepted through Orchard. Milk programs must be operated on a non-profit basis and participating organizations must use the Federal reimbursement to reduce to the selling price of milk served, if children are charged for milk. Organizations must also meet and maintain certain administrative requirements for participation.
Schools or institutions must offer only pasteurized fluid types of fat free or low‐fat (1%) milk. These milks must meet all State and local standards. All milk should contain vitamins A and D at levels specified by the Food and Drug Administration.
Participating schools and child care institutions receive funding by being reimbursed for each half-pint of milk served. Participation in the SMP, as with all USDA Child Nutrition Programs, is voluntary.
Additional information on the program can be found on USDA's Special Milk Program page.
Special Milk Program Tools
For additional resources, please visit our Training & Resources Page.
Additional information on the program can be found at the USDA's Special Milk Program page.