School meals and summer meals: know your options
Updated October 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer
Many schools offer free or reduced-price meals, and summer meal sites feed children when school is out. Ask your school or call 211.
School breakfast and lunch
Ask your school about free or reduced-price meals. Some schools serve everyone free.
Apply anyway
Even if you are unsure you qualify, an application can help.
Summer meals
Many communities run summer meal sites. Call 211 or search for your area.
Plan around them
If your child eats two meals at school, plan lighter dinners.
Keep snacks
Keep snacks at home for the gaps.
Programs and rules differ by state and change over time. Check with your local office for the latest.
What do school meals offer?
Schools that take part in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs serve meals that meet nutrition standards. Many families qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on income and household size. Some schools serve free meals to every student.
How do you apply?
Ask the school office for an application, or look on your district's website. Fill out one application per household, not per child. Apply anyway if you are unsure, because eligibility depends on income and household size, and circumstances change. You can apply any time during the school year.
What counts?
| Situation | Why to apply |
|---|---|
| Income dropped | Your eligibility may have changed |
| A new baby or a bigger household | The income limit goes up with household size |
| Receiving SNAP or other benefits | Some households qualify automatically |
| Foster or homeless children | They may qualify without an application |
| Income dropped | Your eligibility may have changed |
| A new baby or a bigger household | The income limit goes up with household size |
| Receiving SNAP or other benefits | Some households qualify automatically |
| Foster or homeless children | They may qualify without an application |
What about summer?
When school is out, many communities run summer meal sites for children. Meals are often free for any child 18 and under, with no application. Sites may be at schools, parks, libraries and community centers. Call 211 or ask your school district to find one near you.
What about breaks and days off?
Some programs offer take-home food for weekends and holidays. Ask the school counselor or social worker.
How do you plan around school meals?
If your child eats school lunch, plan lighter home lunches on school days and a bigger weekend plan. Look at the school menu so dinner does not repeat lunch. Keep a few easy breakfasts for mornings without school.
What about allergies and special diets?
Tell the school nurse. Schools can make changes with a doctor's note. Ask for ingredient lists.
What about stigma?
School meals are for everyone who needs them. Many children eat them, and applications are private.
How do you help your child eat?
Talk about what they like. Pack a snack if the lunch period is early or late. Make sure they have time to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often yes. Your school can help you with it.
Many sites serve any child for free. Check locally.
Usually yes, though some districts carry over eligibility for the first weeks. Ask your school.
Many schools offer breakfast. Ask the school office about cost and eligibility.