How do children qualify for free and reduced price meals?Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced‐price meals, for which students can be charged no more than $.40. Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty pay a full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent. Local school food authorities set their own prices for full‐price (paid) meals, but must operate their meal services as non‐profit programs.
How do I apply for free and reduced price meals?You can now apply for free and reduced price meals online at
LunchApplication.com. If you are unable to complete an application online or prefer to complete a paper application you can pick up an application at your school's front office.
Do I need to fill out an application for each child in my household?NO. Complete one application for all students and other family members living in your household.
Is my foster child included on the same application with the rest of my children?
YES. Foster children should be included on the same application with the rest of your children and family members living in your household.
If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later?YES. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start getting Food Stamps, TANF or other benefits.
Who should I include as members of my household?You should include yourself, your biological and foster children, and all other individuals living in your household, related or not (grandparents, relatives, or friends).
What do I do with the application for free and reduced meals once it is completed?You may return completed applications to the school cafeteria manager or the School Nutrition office for faster processing.
We are required to receive the original application for processing. We cannot accept applications by phone or fax.
I completed an application last year and was approved for benefits. Do I have to fill out another application?YES. The federal government requires a new application to be completed at the start of each new school year.
How long does it take for my free and reduced price meal application to be processed?All free and reduced price meal applications must be processed within 10 days of the receipt of a completed application.
For additional information on the operation of the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, along with additional School Nutrition Programs, contact the State agency in your state that is responsible for the administration of the programs. A listing of all our State agencies may be found on our web site at
http://www.fns.usda.gov/office-type/child-nutrition-programs select your State from the drop down box and select “apply.”You may also contact us through the Communication Division at 703‐305‐2281, or by mail at 3101 Park Center Drive, Suite 926, Alexandria, Virginia 22302.
