Free, reduced-price meal policy for '25–'26 school year revealed; check for eligibility

The free and reduced-price meal program’s eligibility is based on household income. (Photo by Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

The Delaware Department of Education has released details of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s policy for free and reduced-price meals for the 2025–2026 school year.

The policy ensures that children from households facing financial hardship will have access to nutritious meals through the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and After School Snack Program.

Schools will continue operating these programs under normal procedures and will collect applications for free or reduced-price meals, unless they are participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows certain schools to provide free meals to all students.

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Parents and guardians will receive Meal Benefit Forms (MBFs) along with an informational letter.

To apply, households must complete and return the form to their child’s school.

The form collects details necessary to determine eligibility and may be verified during the school year. Information shared is confidential and used solely for program eligibility and verification.

Households not receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or DE-TANF (Delaware Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) must include the names of all household members, their income sources and amounts, and the signature and Social Security information of an adult household member.

Families receiving SNAP or DE-TANF must list their case number and the child’s name, along with the signature of an adult.

Children enrolled in Head Start, or those identified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or in foster care, automatically qualify for free meals.

Applications can be submitted or updated at any time during the school year.

Those dissatisfied with an eligibility decision can request a review or hearing through their school’s administrative office.

A copy of the full policy is available for public review at each participating school and its administrative office.

For more information, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school.