Free and reduced-price school meals (USDA)
You ask your child's school or district for a free or reduced-price school meal application. Schools send applications home at the start of each school year, but you may apply at any time during the school year.
Good to know
If your household gets SNAP, all of your children who attend school automatically qualify for free school meals, and TANF also gives automatic eligibility: ask your school whether you still need to fill out an application. If you are eligible for unemployment compensation or WIC, you may also be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. If your income is at or below the current Income Eligibility Guidelines, the page encourages you to contact your school or district for an application. Local school or district officials review applications.
Before you call
Have ready
- whether your household gets SNAP or TANF: if it does, your children at school automatically qualify, and the school tells you whether you still need an application
They can
- tell you that you may apply for school meals at any time during the school year, directly to your school or district, and that you may ask for an application at any time
- tell you that children in a household that gets SNAP automatically qualify for free school meals
- tell you that you may also be eligible if you are eligible for unemployment compensation or WIC
They cannot
- take your application: USDA's online model application is not for households, so contact your child's school to find where to get its application
- decide whether your child qualifies: local school or district officials review applications
In the emergency guides: I have no money for food →
- Website
- https://www.fna.usda.gov/nslp/household
- Hours
- Contact your school or district
- Coverage
- Nationwide (U.S.)
- Languages
- English
- Best for
- Parents
- Last checked
- October 10, 2026
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Shared by FindAngel.org — free, always · https://findangel.org/resources/us-school-meals/