Fees for Electronic Payment Services

On November 1, 2024, FNS released SP 04-2025, Fees for Electronic Payment Services in the School Meal Programs. This memorandum clarifies the policy related to fees associated with electronic (online) payments in the school meal programs. The memo states that, effective school year 2027-2028, families with students eligible for reduced price meal benefits in the school meal programs must not be charged any fees for using electronic payment services in the school meal programs. The memo also offers best practices and strategies for school food authorities to ensure that all families are aware of payment options and to ease the financial burden that electronic payment processing fees impose on families. This memorandum supersedes SP 02-2015, Online Fees in the School Meal Programs.