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.