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Federal Program

Free School Meals

Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for students

What Are School Meal Programs?

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) provide free or reduced-price meals to more than 30 million children each school day. These are among the most impactful nutrition programs for families with school-age children.

Children from low-income families can receive meals for free or at a reduced price. Many schools now offer free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), regardless of individual family income.

Free vs. Reduced-Price Meals

Free meals: Available to children in households with income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. Also available automatically to children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits.

Reduced-price meals: Available to children in households with income between 131% and 185% of the FPL. Lunch costs no more than $0.40 and breakfast is free.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

In schools where at least 40% of students are directly certified for free meals, the school can choose to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students — no applications needed. Over 35,000 schools participate in CEP. Check with your child's school to see if they participate.

How to Apply

  1. 1 Complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application through your school district
  2. 2 Provide household size and income information
  3. 3 Children receiving SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR are automatically eligible
  4. 4 Some schools participate in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and serve all students free meals

What You Get

  • Free breakfast and lunch during the school year
  • Nutritionally balanced meals meeting USDA standards
  • After-school snacks at qualifying programs

Key Facts

  • Over 30 million children receive free or reduced-price school meals daily
  • If your child receives SNAP or TANF, they automatically qualify — no separate application needed
  • Many schools with high poverty rates serve all students free meals regardless of income
  • Applications are confidential and do not affect immigration status

Official Resources

School Meals (USDA)
National School Lunch Program information

Related Programs

SNAPSummer MealsWIC

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child automatically qualify if we receive SNAP?
Yes. Children in households receiving SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR automatically qualify for free school meals. You may still need to complete a short form for your school district.
What is Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
CEP allows schools in high-poverty areas to serve breakfast and lunch free to all students without collecting individual applications. Check with your school to see if they participate.
Can my child eat if I forgot to send the application?
Most schools will not deny a meal to a hungry child. Contact your school's food service office to complete an application as soon as possible.

Find a Food Pantry Near You

Food pantries provide immediate food assistance alongside School Meals.