Free or reduced-price breakfast & lunch at school for kids in low-income families.
The National School Lunch Program offers nutritionally balanced meals free or low-cost to eligible children. Many schools now offer universal free meals.
Free school meals ~$800/yr value
Who qualifies
Income at or below 185% FPL for reduced; at or below 130% for free. Automatic if on SNAP/TANF.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-19. UnifiedAid is an independent service and is not a government agency. Applications and approval decisions are made only by the official agency.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for Free/Reduced School Meals?
Income at or below 185% FPL for reduced; at or below 130% for free. Automatic if on SNAP/TANF.
How much does Free/Reduced School Meals pay?
Typical benefit: Free school meals ~$800/yr value.
What documents do I need to apply?
Household income info, SSN (last 4) of adult applying.
How long does the application take?
Most people complete the application in about 10 minutes. Processing time varies by state but is typically 30 days or less.