New eligibility guidelines are now in effect for free and reduced-price school meals for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced the federal income eligibility guidelines released by the United States Department of Agriculture for free and reduced-price school meals and free milk for July 2026 through June 2027.
The guidelines are used by schools, institutions and facilities to determine eligibility for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program for Children, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program.
Households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits only need to include their SNAP or TANF case number on the application.
Families enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or Medicaid, may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals based on income and should complete a Household Meal Benefit Application.
The Department of Education recommends families use Pennsylvania’s COMPASS website for more information.
The annual income eligibility guidelines are based on household size and determine whether students qualify for free meals or reduced-price meals.
Pennsylvania has provided universal free breakfast for K-12 public school students since Gov. Josh Shapiro signed it into law in August 2023 as part of the state budget.
