New Income Guidelines Set for Free School Meals

State of MD - The Maryland State Department of Education has announced new income guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals. The updated guidelines take effect through June 30, 2027.

Eligibility is based on household size and income. A family of four qualifies for free meals if their yearly income is at or below $42,900.

Families of four earning between $42,899 and $61,050 qualify for reduced-price meals. Income limits go up or down depending on how many people are in the household.

For a household of one, the free meal income limit is $20,748 a year. For a household of eight, that limit rises to $72,436 a year.

Reduced-price limits follow the same pattern. A household of one qualifies with income at or below $29,526 a year, while a household of eight qualifies at or below $103,082 a year.

Families applying for meal benefits must fill out the application completely. Applications that are missing information cannot be processed by the school.

Once a school reviews an application, it will notify the family whether their child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals. If a parent or guardian disagrees with the decision, they can ask the school for clarification, file an appeal, or request a hearing with school district administrators.

Some children automatically qualify for free meals without an application. This includes children enrolled in Head Start or Even Start, along with children who are homeless, migrant, runaway, or in foster care.

Children in households already receiving SNAP or Temporary Cash Assistance also qualify automatically. Families can apply for meal benefits at any point during the school year, not just at the start.

Parents are encouraged to reapply if their household size, income, or job situation changes. A new application should also be submitted if the family becomes eligible for SNAP or TCA benefits.

School meal programs in Maryland follow nutrition standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Maryland Cares for Kids Act uses state funding to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for students.

The income guidelines are updated every year by the USDA. Free meal eligibility is based on 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, while reduced-price eligibility is based on 185 percent.

U.S. citizenship is not required to apply for school meal benefits. The full income chart, broken down by household size and pay period, is available at eatsmartmaryland.org.

Families with questions can also call the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410-767-0219.