Who can get free meals?

Income

Children can get free or reduced-price meals if a household’s gross income is within the limits described in the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. 

Special Assistance Program Participants

Children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), are eligible for free meals.

Foster 

Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals. If you are applying for a foster child, also report the child’s foster status to the school.

Head Start, Early Head Start, and Even Start

Children participating in these programs are eligible for free meals.

Homeless, Runaway, and Migrant

Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant qualify for free meals. If you haven’t been told about a child’s status as homeless, runaway, or migrant or you feel a child may qualify for one of these programs, please call or email your child’s school.

WIC Recipient

Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals.