Nutrition and Wellness Programs
Food Distribution Program Description
The Nutrition Programs Division is responsible for the administration of the USDA Commodity Food Distribution Program, providing approximately $30,000,000 worth of commodity food to schools in Illinois. Active participation in the National School Lunch Program is the primary criteria to be eligible to receive USDA commodity food.
United States Department of Agriculture donated commodities
are available to sponsors of National School Lunch and Summer
Food Service Programs. Cash in lieu of commodities is provided
to day care centers.
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)—Commodities are available to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)—Cash in lieu of commodities is available to approved day care centers.
- Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)—Commodities are available to sites that serve needy children during summer vacations from school.
- Disaster Relief—Commodities are made available for distribution to disaster relief agencies, such as the Red Cross, when the President of the United States declares a disaster, as well as in other situations of distress. The commodities are provided to disaster victims through congregate meal service.
