What programs offer students meals during the school year?

During the school year, your child can get free or reduced-price meals at school through:

• The National School Lunch Program
• The School Breakfast Program
• The Special Milk Program, which provides milk for students in schools that do not participate in a federal school meal program

Find out if your child is eligible for school meal programs

Your children may qualify for free school lunch, breakfast, or milk during the school year if:

• You meet household income guidelines
• You receive SNAP (food stamps), TANF (welfare), WIC, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• They are foster children under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court
• They are enrolled in Head Start

Check with your child's school for specific eligibility requirements for your state.

How to apply for school meal programs

Ask your child's school for a meal program application. You can do this at the beginning of the school year or at any time if circumstances change.

Summer meal programs and benefits

• The Summer Food Service Program (SUN Meals) offers one or more free meals during summer break. All children and teens 18 or younger qualify. There is no application process and no income limit. Search for a summer meals site near you.
• The SUN Bucks program gives eligible families in most states $120 per child during the summer to buy groceries. If you receive other benefits, such as SNAP or TANF, you may be automatically enrolled. Learn how to get SUN Bucks.  

Find help with or file a complaint about a school meal program

Contact your local school or school district for more information. If an issue is not resolved locally, contact your county or state board of education.