Maryland Updates Income Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals

STATE OF MD - The Maryland State Department of Education has announced updated Income Eligibility Guidelines for the state's free and reduced-price school meal programs. The changes take effect immediately and remain in place through June 30, 2026.

New Income Thresholds

Eligibility for school meal assistance is determined by household size and annual income. Under the updated guidelines, a family of four with an annual income at or below $41,795 qualifies for free school meals.

Families earning between $41,796 and $59,478 annually are eligible for reduced-price meals.

Application Requirements

Parents and guardians must submit complete applications to participate in the program. Incomplete submissions cannot be processed by school districts. After reviewing applications, schools notify families of their children's eligibility status.

Families who disagree with eligibility decisions have several options. They may request clarification from school officials, file an appeal, or request a hearing with district administrators.

Automatic Qualification Categories

Certain groups of children automatically qualify for free meals without submitting applications. These include students enrolled in Head Start or Even Start programs, children certified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster children, and those from households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Cash Assistance benefits.

Ongoing Eligibility

Families may reapply at any point during the school year if circumstances change. Changes in household size, employment status, income, or SNAP and TCA eligibility can affect meal program participation.

Program Oversight

The Maryland State Department of Education oversees all school meal programs in the state. These programs follow nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Maryland Cares for Kids Act provides state funding to cover costs associated with reduced-price meals.

Annual Adjustments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture adjusts Income Eligibility Guidelines annually to serve children with the greatest need. The current guidelines were calculated by multiplying 2025 federal poverty guidelines by 130 percent for free meal eligibility and 185 percent for reduced-price meal eligibility. U.S. citizenship is not required to apply for meal assistance.

Families seeking additional information may visit www.eatsmartmaryland.org or contact the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410-767-0219.