The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled the federal income guidelines for the 2025-26 school year, determining student eligibility for free and reduced-price meals in North Carolina. These guidelines are essential for ensuring that students across the state have access to nutritious school meals.
State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green emphasized the importance of school meals, stating, “Research indicates that students who eat school meals have improved school attendance, better focus in class, increased test scores, and healthier overall diets.” He noted that these meals play a crucial role in supporting students’ academic success.
Details of the eligibility criteria can be found on the USDA website. The guidelines stipulate that children from households with incomes below specified levels qualify for meal benefits. Additionally, children from families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Cash Assistance (CA) are automatically eligible for free meals through a direct certification process.
For those unfamiliar, SNAP was previously known as the “Food Stamps” Program, and in North Carolina, it is referred to as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). Similarly, CA was once known as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
Households interested in applying for these meal benefits can obtain applications from their local schools. Notably, in North Carolina, students approved for reduced-price meals receive them at no cost. To apply, families must submit a completed application to their child’s school or the School Nutrition Office within their district or participating institution.
The application requires an adult household member’s signature, along with the names of all household members, income details, and the last four digits of the signer’s social security number. If the signer lacks a social security number, they must indicate this on the application. These applications are subject to income verification at any point during the school year.
Eligibility determinations are made by the School Nutrition Administrator or their designee within each school district. If parents or guardians disagree with a decision, they can request a discussion or a formal hearing to appeal the ruling.
Households experiencing unemployment or changes in size should inform the school, as such changes might affect their eligibility for meal benefits.
For more details on common questions regarding free and reduced meals, visit the FAQ page. Additional inquiries can be directed to the NCDPI’s Office of School Nutrition at (984) 236-2910 or the School Nutrition Administrator of the respective school.
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In compliance with federal civil rights law, this institution prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Program information is available in multiple languages, and alternative communication means are provided for individuals with disabilities.
To report discrimination, individuals can complete a USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form or contact USDA directly. Complaints can be submitted by mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or via phone or email.
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