Home🥗 Food & NutritionFree & Reduced School Meals (NSLP)
Federal Program🥗 Food & Nutrition

Free & Reduced School Meals (NSLP)

Administered by U.S. Dept of Agriculture · fns.usda.gov

Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for students whose household income is below 185% of poverty level. Many eligible families never apply.

Eligibility requirements

  • Child enrolled in participating school
  • Household income below 185% poverty level for reduced price, 130% for free
Insider tip

Apply at the start of every school year. If your income changes mid-year, apply then too. Many districts have automatic enrollment if you receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid.

How to apply

Apply directly on the official website. GrantLantern does not process applications — we link you directly to the source.

Apply at fns.usda.gov

Opens the official source. GrantLantern is not affiliated with this program.

Program details sourced from official government and agency websites. Eligibility is determined by the administering agency — not GrantLantern. Verify current requirements at the official source before applying.

Related programs in Food & Nutrition

Up to $291/person/month

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Monthly EBT card benefits to buy food at authorized retailers. Average ~$175/person/month.

View details →
Average $100-$250/month in food benefits

SNAP for Seniors (Food Stamps)

Many eligible seniors never apply for SNAP. Adults 60+ have a separate elderly/disabled deduction that sign…

View details →
$50–$100/month in food benefits + services

WIC — Women, Infants & Children

Provides healthy food, formula, breastfeeding support, and health referrals for low-income pregnant women, …

View details →
Increases SNAP benefit — average $100+/month more

SNAP Medical Expense Deduction for Disabled/Elderly

Elderly and disabled SNAP recipients can deduct medical expenses over $35/month from their income, dramatic…

View details →