Free Reduced School Meals

Free and reduced school meals programs help families cover the cost of breakfast and lunch during the school year. If your household income falls within certain ranges, your children may be able to eat at school without the usual meal charges. These programs exist in most public schools and many charter schools, and they're funded through federal and state money—not school budgets.

The articles here explain how these programs work, what the income limits are in different states, and what information you'll need to provide when you look into whether your family qualifies. You'll also find details about summer meal programs, how to handle meals if your child has allergies or dietary needs, and what happens if your circumstances change during the school year.