Free and reduced-price school meals in New York State

If you live in New York City, learn more about NYC school meals.

New York State runs School Breakfast and Lunch Programs that give free, reduced-price, or full-price meals to students based on family income. All students get the same meals no matter what they pay, and schools cannot identify which students get free or reduced-price meals.

Many schools in New York State use the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP is a program for schools in high-poverty areas that lets all students eat breakfast and lunch for free without families having to fill out applications. If your child's school uses CEP, you don't need to do anything. 

For schools not using CEP, your family can get free meals, cheap meals, or needs to pay full price. This depends on how many people are in your family and how much money your family makes.

Families can apply by filling out an application at the start of the school year. You might automatically qualify if your family gets SNAP or Medicaid benefits.

Here's how it works based on your family's income:

Free meals

• Your family makes up to 130% of poverty level
• Example: $39,000 or less per year for a family of 4 in 2025

Reduced price meals (no charge to student)

• Your family makes up to 185% of poverty level
• Example: $55,500 or less per year for a family of 4 in 2025

Full price meals (paid by family)

• Your family makes more than 185% of poverty level
• Example: More than $55,500 per year for a family of 4 in 2025