NORTH CAROLINA —- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released the federal income eligibility guidelines for the 2025-26 school year, determining which North Carolina students qualify for free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program.
The guidelines, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, are designed to ensure all students have access to wholesome, nutritious meals at school through federally-assisted School Nutrition Programs.
Academic Benefits Tied to School Meal Programs
State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green emphasized the educational impact of school nutrition programs, noting that research demonstrates significant benefits for participating students.
“Research indicates that students who eat school meals have improved school attendance, better focus in class, increased test scores, and healthier overall diets,” Green said. “School meals support academic excellence for students and are a nutritious, convenient choice for families.”
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Income-Based Qualification
Families must meet specific household size and income criteria to qualify for meal benefits. The complete federal income eligibility guidelines are available at fns.usda.gov.
Automatic Eligibility Categories
Several groups of students automatically qualify for free meals without completing applications:
- Children from households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Cash Assistance (CA)
- Foster children under the legal responsibility of social services agencies or courts
SNAP and CA families will be certified through direct certification by school officials. In North Carolina, SNAP is known as “Food and Nutrition Services” (FNS), while CA was formerly called Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
Application Requirements and Process
Where to Apply
Applications for free and reduced-price school meals are available at individual school offices. Completed applications should be returned to either the school or the School Nutrition Office within the participating district, charter school, non-public school, or institution.
Required Information
Applications must include:
- Names of all household members
- Amount and source of income for each household member
- Last four digits of the signing adult’s social security number (or indication if unavailable)
- Signature from an adult household member
Special Provision for North Carolina
Students approved for reduced-price meals in North Carolina receive meals at no cost, providing additional support for families.
Verification and Appeals Process
All applications are subject to income verification at any time during the school year. The School Nutrition Administrator or designee in each district reviews applications and determines eligibility.
Parents or guardians who disagree with eligibility decisions can discuss the matter informally with determining officials or request a formal hearing through oral or written appeal to their participating institution.
Reporting Changes and Getting Help
Families should contact their school if household circumstances change, such as unemployment or changes in household size, as these changes may affect meal benefit eligibility.
For questions about the program, families can:
- Contact the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Office of School Nutrition at (984) 236-2910
- Reach out to their local School Nutrition Administrator
- Find common questions and answers online through NCDPI resources
