Free, reduced-price lunch eligibility for schools announced

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shared the federal income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price meals and free milk beginning this month through June 2023 for schools.

Schools and other facilities use the guidelines to determine eligibility for the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program for Children, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program.

During the pandemic, waivers to Child Nutrition Programs across the United States allowed these programs to offer all students breakfast and lunch, at no charge. 

For the 2002-23 school year, the following income eligibility will be used to determine those who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Families with... 

• One child: Free meals or milk, up to $17,667; reduced meals - $17,668 to $25,142. 
• Two: Free, up to $23,803; reduced - $23,804 to $33,874
• Three: Free, up to $29,939; reduced - $29,940 to $42,606
• Four: Free, up to $36,075; reduced - $36,076 to $51,338
• Five: Free, up to $42,211; reduced - $42,212 to $ 60,070
• Six: Free, up to $48,347; reduced - $48,348 to $68,802
• Seven: Free, up to $54,483; reduced - $54,484 to $77,534
• Eight: Free, up $60,619; reduced - $60,620 to $86,266

To apply, households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) need only include the SNAP or TANF case number on their application. Households enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals and should complete a Household Meal Benefit Application. Other households can find more information from their local district.