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This was originally published as a press release from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
A new policy announced on Aug. 8 includes a federal program for free and reduced-price meals for children enrolled in North Carolina’s schools.
“Research shows us that access to healthful meals at school can enhance students’ overall health and academic performance,” state Superintendent Catherine Truitt said. “Children who are hungry or poorly nourished have difficulty learning and do not perform as well in the classroom as students who are well-nourished. Meals and snacks at school are healthier and more appealing than ever before.”
Student eligibility is determined by household size and income, according to a press release from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Families whose household income is at or below the levels shown in the chart below are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Students in households eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Cash Assistance (CA) are automatically eligible for free meals. SNAP/CA families will be certified by the determining official directly.
The federal income eligibility guidelines for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 are shown below:
Foster children being served by a social services agency or under the legal responsibility of a court are eligible for free meal benefits regardless of how much income their current household makes.
To apply for the program, households must submit their completed forms to their student’s school or the School Nutrition Office within the school district, charter school, non-public school, or other institution participating in the National School Lunch Program.
Starting this school year, the application will also be used to determine whether students are eligible to receive the Summer-Electronic Benefits Transfer. S-EBT is a food assistance program provided during the summer months when school is out of session. Students eligible for free or reduced-price meals are automatically eligible for S-EBT if they are enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program on or before May 1, annually.
Households that receive SNAP or CA do not need to fill out an application since they will be automatically certified and will also receive summer benefits.
All applicants are subject to income verification at any time during the academic year by school or other program officials.
A School Nutrition Administrator or designee in each school district will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the designer’s decision may make a formal appeal for a hearing. The request can be made verbally or in writing to the school district, charter school, non-public school, or other participating institution.
According to DPI, if a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. The changes may affect eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can receive free or reduced-price meals?
- All children in households receiving benefits from Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, formerly known as Food Stamps), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Cash Assistance (CA) are eligible for free meals.
- Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.
- Children participating in their school’s federally funded Head Start program are eligible for free meals.
- Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway or migrant are eligible for free meals.
- Children may receive free or reduced-price meals if a household’s income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.
How do I know if my children qualify as homeless, migrant, or runaway?
Children can qualify as homeless, migrant, or runaway if they lack a permanent address; are living in a shelter, hotel, or other temporary housing arrangement; their family moves on a seasonal basis; or a child living with you has chosen to leave their prior residence.
Can homeless, runaway, and migrant children receive free meals?
Yes, children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway or migrant qualify for free meals. Children who meet the criteria but have not been informed that they will get free meals should contact the school’s homeless, runaway, or migrant liaison.
Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
Only one application is needed for all students in your household.
Should I fill out an application if I receive a letter this school year saying my children are already approved for free meals?
There is no need to fill out an application. If any children in your household were missing from your eligibility notification, immediately contact the School Nutrition Administrator in your school district. Please keep the letter as it may be used for other purposes that may reduce the cost of other services for your child(ren).
My child’s application was approved last year. Do I need to fill out a new one?
The child’s application is only good for the 2023-24 school year and the first few days of the upcoming year. A new application is required.
If children qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school, can they receive Summer-Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT or “sun bucks”)?
The household application for free or reduced-priced meal benefits may also help determine whether families are eligible for Summer-Electronic Benefits Transfer (S-EBT) or “Sun Bucks.” Students who are enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program and are eligible for free or reduced-price meals are automatically eligible to receive Sun Bucks as long as the student is enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program on or before May 1 each year. Applicants should keep the letter stating your child(ren) is eligible for free or reduced-price meals because the letter may be used to confirm eligibility for Sun-Bucks if needed. Separate applications for the summer program can be found here.
Can foster children receive free meals?
Foster children under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals. Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income.
Can children enrolled in a federally funded Head Start program receive free meals?
If the households of the children who meet this criterion have not been informed that they will get free meals, they must contact the School Nutrition Administrator in your school district.
I get WIC. Can my children get free meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. An application is required to confirm eligibility.
Will the information I give be checked?
Households may be asked for written proof of the income they report.
If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later?
Households may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced-price meals if the household income drops below the limit.
May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?
Household members do not have to be U.S. citizens to apply for free or reduced-priced meals.
Who should you include as members of your household?
All people living in the household who share income and expenses should be included whether they are family members or not. Applicants must include themselves and all children in the residence. People in the household who are economically independent are not included in the total.
What if my income is not always the same?
Applicants should list the amount they typically receive. For instance, if an applicant usually makes $1,000 each month, but missed some work and only made $900 last month, they should still submit $1,000. Those who have lost a job or had hours reduced should use their current income.
What if some household members have no income to report?
Household members who do not receive any of the income requested on the application should report $0 on the application. If any income fields are left empty or blank, they will also be counted as zeroes.
We are in the military. Do we report our income differently?
Basic pay and cash bonuses must be reported as income. Any cash value allowances for off-base housing, food, or clothing, or Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance payments, must be included as income. Housing that is a part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative should not be included as income. Any additional combat pay due to deployment is also excluded from income.
What if there isn’t enough space on the application for my family?
Additional household members should be listed on a separate sheet of paper and attached to the application. Applicants may also contact the school nutrition office for additional forms.
My family needs more help. Are there other programs we might apply for?
To apply for other assistance benefits, people should contact their office or call The Careline at 1-800-662-7030. The Office of School Nutrition of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction can be contacted at (984) 236-2910.
