Skip to main content

School Lunch and Breakfast Sodium Limits and Timeline

Resource type
Technical Assistance
Training and Outreach
Resource Materials
PDF Icon Print version (208.03 KB)

School Meal Programs Sodium Requirements

School meals offered to each age/grade group must meet, on average over the school week, the sodium limits specified in the following tables within the established deadlines.

School Breakfast Program Sodium Limits

Age/Grade Group

Sodium Limit
In place through June 30, 2027

Sodium Limit
Must be implemented by July 1, 2027

Grades K-5

<540 mg

<485 mg

Grades 6-8

<600 mg

<535 mg

Grades 9-12

<640 mg

<570 mg

National School Lunch Program Sodium Limits 

Age/Grade Group

Sodium Limit
In place through June 30, 2027

Sodium Limit
Must be implemented by July 1, 2027

Grades K-5

<1,110 mg

<935 mg

Grades 6-8

<1,225 mg

<1,035 mg

Grades 9-12

<1,280 mg

<1,080 mg

Page updated: November 13, 2024