The Food and Nutrition Service of the USDA announced updates to the Income Eligibility Guidelines for children's meal programs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. These guidelines determine who can get free or reduced-price meals and free milk through programs like the National School Lunch Program and are updated to reflect changes in the cost of living. Income is calculated before taxes and includes various sources like wages and benefits, but some federal benefits are not counted as income. The updated guidelines help ensure the programs reach children who need them the most.
Simple Explanation
The government has updated the rules to help decide which kids get free or cheaper meals at school, and they're making sure the help goes to the kids who need it the most. These changes happen because prices for things can go up, like how candy costs more than it used to.