Illinois Special Milk Program Benefits
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.
Purpose of the Illinois Special Milk Program
The primary purpose of the Illinois Special Milk Program is to ensure that children have access to nutritious milk, particularly those who may not have access to other federal meal programs or who come from low-income families. The program aims to promote the consumption of milk among children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps, contributing to their overall health and well-being. By providing milk at a reduced price or for free, the program helps to support the nutritional needs of children, especially those who may not have access to sufficient nutrition at home.
Furthermore, the program aims to promote the development of healthy eating habits among children, emphasizing the importance of dairy consumption for their growth and development. By providing financial assistance to participating institutions, the program also supports their efforts to offer nutritious meals and beverages to children without imposing significant financial burdens.
Ultimately, the Illinois Special Milk Program aligns with broader state and federal initiatives focused on promoting child health and well-being, reducing food insecurity, and supporting educational outcomes. By ensuring that children have access to milk, the program plays a crucial role in promoting the health and development of Illinois' youth, particularly those in communities facing economic challenges or limited access to nutritious foods.
Illinois Special Milk Program
The Illinois Special Milk Program is a state-specific initiative that operates in conjunction with the federal government's Special Milk Program. This program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal meal service programs. The program aims to encourage the consumption of milk by children and to promote nutrition and health.
Through the Illinois Special Milk Program, participating schools and other institutions receive reimbursement for milk that they serve. This helps them to offer milk to children at a reduced price or at no cost. The program is especially beneficial for those institutions that do not participate in other federal meal service programs, such as the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program.
The Illinois State Board of Education is typically responsible for administering the Special Milk Program at the state level, overseeing its implementation, and ensuring compliance with program requirements. The program is part of the broader efforts to improve the nutrition and health of children, particularly those from low-income families or attending institutions that do not have access to other federal meal programs.
For more detailed and up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Illinois State Board of Education or the Illinois Department of Human Services to get specific details about the program's eligibility criteria, application process, and how to participate.
Illinois Special Milk Program Benefits
The Illinois Special Milk Program offers several benefits to children, schools, and childcare institutions within the state. Some of the key benefits include:
- Nutritional support: The program ensures that children have access to nutritious milk, which is essential for their growth and development. By providing milk at a reduced price or for free, the program helps to improve the overall nutrition and health of participating children.
- Financial assistance: Participating schools and childcare institutions receive reimbursement for the milk they serve, which can help offset some of the costs associated with providing milk to children. This financial assistance can be particularly beneficial for institutions with limited resources.
- Increased access to milk: The program enables children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps to have access to milk, even if their institution does not participate in other Federal meal service programs. This ensures that more children have the opportunity to consume milk and benefit from its nutritional value.
- Health promotion: By encouraging the consumption of milk, the program promotes better health among children, including stronger bones and teeth due to the calcium and other essential nutrients found in milk.
- Support for low-income families: The program can be especially beneficial for children from low-income families who may not have regular access to nutritious foods. By providing milk at a reduced price or for free, the program helps alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with ensuring children have access to healthy beverages.
These benefits collectively contribute to the well-being of children in Illinois and help support their educational and developmental outcomes by ensuring they have access to essential nutrition during their time at school or childcare institutions.
Who is eligible for Illinois Special Milk Program?
To be eligible for the Illinois Special Milk Program, you must be a resident of the state of Illinois and meet all of the 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.
Illinois Special Milk Program Income Limits
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 | $26,973 |
| 2 | $36,482 |
| 3 | $45,991 |
| 4 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $65,009 |
| 6 | $74,518 |
| 7 | $84,027 |
| 8 | $93,536 |
Documents required for Illinois Special Milk Program
The specific documents required for the Illinois Special Milk Program may vary, and it's essential to consult the Illinois State Board of Education or the Illinois Department of Human Services for the most accurate and up-to-date information. However, typically, the following types of documents may be needed for participation in the program:
- Application form: Institutions interested in participating in the Illinois Special Milk Program will likely need to complete an application form. This form may require information about the institution, such as its name, address, contact information, and any relevant details about the children or participants it serves.
- Documentation of program eligibility: Institutions may need to provide documentation demonstrating their eligibility for the program, which could include information such as the institution's status as a school, childcare center, or camp that does not participate in other federal meal programs.
- Financial records: Some financial records or documentation related to the institution's financial status may be required to verify the need for participation in the program, especially if the institution serves a significant number of children from low-income families.
- Compliance documents: Institutions may need to provide documentation demonstrating their compliance with the program's requirements, such as adhering to the nutritional guidelines for the milk provided to children and maintaining accurate records of milk distribution.
- Any other relevant institutional information: Depending on the specific requirements of the Illinois Special Milk Program, institutions may need to provide additional documents or information to complete the application process or demonstrate their eligibility for participation.
It is crucial to consult the Illinois State Board of Education or the Illinois Department of Human Services directly for the most accurate and comprehensive list of documents required for participation in the Illinois Special Milk Program. They can provide specific guidance and assistance throughout the application process.
Illinois Food Stamp Program BenefitsRequired Eligibility for Illinois Special Milk Program
The eligibility requirements for the Illinois Special Milk Program are generally determined by the Illinois State Board of Education or the administering agency responsible for the program. While specific requirements may vary, the following eligibility criteria are typically considered for participation in the program:
- Institution type: Eligible institutions include schools, childcare centers, and eligible camps that do not participate in other Federal meal service programs, such as the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program.
- Non-profit status: Institutions typically need to be non-profit or run by a governmental entity to qualify for participation in the program.
- Compliance with program regulations: Participating institutions must comply with the program's regulations, including adhering to the nutritional guidelines for the milk provided to children and maintaining accurate records of milk distribution.
- Serving children: The institution must primarily serve children, and the program is specifically designed to provide milk to children in educational or childcare settings.
- Demonstrated need: Institutions serving a significant number of children from low-income families or communities with limited access to nutritious foods may receive priority consideration.
It's important to note that these eligibility criteria are a general guideline, and specific requirements may differ. For precise and up-to-date information on the eligibility criteria for the Illinois Special Milk Program, it is advisable to reach out to the Illinois State Board of Education or the Illinois Department of Human Services directly. They can provide detailed information about the specific eligibility requirements and the application process for participating in the program.
How do I apply for Illinois Special Milk Program ?
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.
Illinois Unemployment Insurance Program BenefitsHow To Apply For Illinois Special Milk Program
To apply for the Illinois Special Milk Program, you will typically need to follow a set procedure outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education or the administering agency responsible for the program. While the exact process may vary, here is a general guide on how to apply for the Illinois Special Milk Program:
- Contact the Illinois State Board of Education or the Illinois Department of Human Services: Begin by reaching out to the appropriate state agency responsible for the administration of the Illinois Special Milk Program. They can provide you with the necessary application materials and guide you through the application process.
- Obtain and complete the application form: You will need to obtain the official application form for the Illinois Special Milk Program from the Illinois State Board of Education or the relevant agency. Fill out the application form accurately and completely, providing all required information about your institution and its eligibility for the program.
- Prepare necessary documentation: Gather any required documentation to support your application, such as proof of your institution's non-profit status, financial records, and any other documents that demonstrate your compliance with the program's regulations.
- Submit your application: Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documentation, submit your application to the Illinois State Board of Education or the designated agency responsible for the program. Follow any specific instructions provided for submission, such as mailing, emailing, or submitting the application in person.
- Await notification: After submitting your application, wait for a response from the Illinois State Board of Education or the relevant agency. They will review your application and inform you of the status of your application and whether your institution has been approved to participate in the Illinois Special Milk Program.
It's important to consult the Illinois State Board of Education or the Illinois Department of Human Services directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the application process. They can provide specific guidance and support throughout the application process and address any questions or concerns you may have.
How can I contact someone?
For information visit the Food and Nutrition Service's Special Milk Program page. To learn more about the Special Milk Program (SMP), please call the Illinois State Board of Education, Nutrition Programs Division at: 1-800-545-7892 / 217-782-2491