Back-to-School Food Assistance: Free Lunch, Backpack Programs & More

As school starts, families need to know about the food programs available to their children. Over 30 million children receive free or reduced-price meals at school — and many additional programs fill gaps during weekends and after school.

Free and Reduced School Meals

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program provide free or reduced-price meals based on family income:

• Free meals: Family income at or below 130% of federal poverty level
• Reduced-price meals: 130-185% of FPL (lunch costs $0.40, breakfast costs $0.30)

Apply through your child's school — forms are available at the start of each school year. If you receive SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, your children are automatically eligible.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

Schools in high-poverty areas can serve free meals to ALL students regardless of family income — no application needed. Over 33,000 schools participate. Ask your school if they're a CEP school.

Backpack Programs

Food banks send discreet bags of food home with children on Fridays to cover weekends. The bags contain shelf-stable items like granola bars, fruit cups, mac and cheese, and juice. Contact your school counselor or local food bank to enroll.

Afterschool Programs

Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and community centers often serve free snacks and suppers through USDA's afterschool meal programs. These don't require separate applications.

More Food Resources

• Find food pantries near you
• WIC for children under 5
• Apply for SNAP benefits
• Complete guide to free food for kids