So now, families may be wondering, what resources are left? What remains is the USDA’s National School Lunch Program, which provides reduced-cost or free meals to children of eligible families. Those eligible must fall below a certain income level. For example, a family of three cannot make more than $42,606 a year for students to qualify for reduced meals, and that same family of three cannot make more than $29,939 to qualify for free meals. Federal household income requirements to receive free or reduced school lunch. The federal program requires only one application per family. An additional way to qualify is if your child receives benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (DFPIR), or the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. These children can receive free meals regardless of family income. The link to the application, which is universal for schools across the country, as well as more information, can be found here:
