Schools in the last two years were given flexibilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed for all children to receive school meals at no charge (and off campus!). The flexibilities were granted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the government agency that funds school meals. Many families will see changes in school meals this fall as some of those options expired, so many schools can’t serve all meals free anymore. Instead, families will do what they did before COVID. Schools will take applications and use family income to qualify kids for free, reduce-price, or paid meals.

Is there any way for schools to continue serving meals to all students for free? 
Some schools use a program called the “Community Eligibility Provision” or “Special Assistance Provision” that helps them serve all meals free. Contact your local school to see if they are part of that program.

My child’s school is going to start charging for meals again, but I can’t afford to pay. Is there a way my child can get meals for free?
Yes. There are still many ways children can get free meals. Children are automatically eligible for free meals if anyone in their household gets SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits. Schools should let you know if your child is automatically eligible.

You can also fill out an application to qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Children experiencing homelessness, children in foster care, runaway youth, or children of migrant workers all qualify for free school meals when their household fills out an application. Children can also qualify for free or reduced-price meals through an application if their household’s income is under a certain limit. Schools will help you understand if you qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on the information you put on their school meal application.

When can I send in an application to see if my child can eat for free? 
Now! Contact your local school to access a household application.