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School Lunch and Breakfast Sodium Limits and Timeline

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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: December 04, 2024