INDIANAPOLIS — The U.S. Department of Agriculture annually updates the eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price meals and free milk served under the federally-funded National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Programs, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) shares these updated federal eligibility guidelines, including updated household size and income criteria for the 2026-2027 school year. Each local school corporation office and organization participating in a School Nutrition Program or CACFP has a copy of the guidelines that may be reviewed by any interested party.
Families can apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits at any time during the school year, whether they are applying for the first time or their eligibility changes. Families who think they may qualify, or anyone interested in learning more and reviewing their options, are encouraged to reach out to their school or childcare facility directly.
A family of 4 making $61,050 yearly qualifies for reduced price lunches, while the same size family making $42,900 can receive free lunches.
If a household’s income is at or below the level shown on the income scale, children are eligible for free or reduced price meals or free milk. Adults in CACFP-participating programs are eligible for free or reduced price meals.
The following information is required for income applications:
• The names of all household members
• All household income last month and source of income received by each household member (for example, earnings, public assistance, pension, or other). Income is all money before taxes or anything else are taken out
• The signature of an adult household member; and
The last four digits of the Social Security Number of the adult signing the application.
The information on the application for free or reduced price meals may be verified by the school or other officials at any time during the school/program year and will be treated confidentially. The information households provide will be used only for the eligibility determinations and verification of data.