SY 2026-2027 Reimbursement Rates

Issue Number: 02-2027

Date: August 3, 2026

Regulatory Authority: 7 CFR 210, 7 CFR 220, and 7 CFR 225

To: Superintendents, Child Nutrition Directors and Managers

From: Food and Nutrition Division

For questions: Contact Bailey Kelly at 501‑324‑9502 or bailey.kelly@ade.arkansas.gov

Reimbursement rates for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Afterschool Snack Program (ASP) for the 2026-2027 school year have been released.

Severe Need Breakfast

Severe need breakfast rates are approved on a school basis. Districts must apply each year to receive the severe need breakfast rate. Any school in the district that served forty percent (40%) or more lunches during the 2024-2025 school year at the free or reduced rate receives an additional fifty-one cent (0.51) reimbursement on all free and reduced-price breakfast claimed during the 2026-2027 school year. View the 2026-2027 severe need and safety net active district listing for more information.

Safety Net Lunch

School districts that served sixty percent (60%) or more lunches during the 2024-2025 school year at the free or reduced rate are designated as “Safety Net” districts and receive an additional two cent ($0.02) reimbursement for each lunch claimed during the 2026-2027 school year. View the 2026-2027 severe need and safety net active district listing for more information.

Performance-Based Reimbursement (PBR)

Performance-based reimbursement (PBR) is an additional reimbursement automatically provided to districts that have successfully completed the meal certification process. The PBR rate is $0.09 for each reimbursable lunch claimed in the 2026-2027 school year. This additional reimbursement will be included automatically with each monthly claim payment.

After-School Snack Area Eligible

An after-school snack program site is Area Eligible if it is located at a school where fifty percent (50%) of enrolled students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Area eligible sites will claim all after-school snacks served at the free rate. Schools that do not qualify for area eligibility must claim students based on their free, reduced, or paid eligibility status. 

Information will be released regarding updates to the meal equivalency for food service management companies and non-reimbursable meal prices with state matching in a separate memo. 

If you have any questions, please contact your area specialist at (501) 324-9502.