The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.

Who can get free or reduced priced meals?

• All children in households receiving benefits from NH SNAP or NH TANF, 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 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 your household’s income is within the limits set by the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines

2025-2026 Free and Reduced Application and Income Guidelines