Special Milk Program for Illinois
Illinois
What is Special Milk Program for Illinois ?
The Special Milk Program is a federally funded program administered in Illinois by the Illinois State Board of Education. The Special Milk Program provides reimbursement for milk served to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have access to a school meals program. The program reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve.
There are two program options from which sponsors may choose:
Paid Milk - In the paid milk option, all students are charged for the cost of providing milk minus the Federal reimbursement. Household income applications are not required.
Free Milk - The free milk option provides milk free of charge to students who are determined eligible, based on the household income guidelines. Children who do not meet the household income requirements may purchase milk if participating in a pricing program.
Administration
Special Milk Program for Illinois is administered by Illinois.
Program Requirements
Qualification Requirements Last Updated on 2025-03-01
To be eligible for the Illinois Special Milk Program, you must be a resident of the state of Illinois and meetall ofthe following:
- Be a child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program; and
- Be low-income or very low income.
Each child's family must apply annually for free milk eligibility.
In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $27,861 |
| 2 | $37,814 |
| 3 | $47,767 |
| 4 | $57,720 |
| 5 | $67,673 |
| 6 | $77,626 |
| 7 | $87,579 |
| 8 | $97,532 |
Application Details
What is the application process for Special Milk Program for Illinois ?
To apply for the Special Milk Program, directly contact your child's school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates in the Special Milk Program.
The Federal agency, Child Nutrition Programs, manages this program and provides state contact information on the on the School Meals Contact page.
Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.
Contact Info
217-782-2491