School Meals and Nutrition

AASA Conducts Survey on the State of School Meal Programs Across the Country

AASA surveyed 429 district leaders in 43 states; 67% cited federal funding as a challenge for meal programs, and 40% said they used other budget funds to cover meal costs last year.

AASA, The School Superintendents Association · National · 2026-09-21

ISBE Announces New Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals

Illinois schools will use updated USDA income thresholds to determine student meal benefits for 2026-27. The criteria apply to free and reduced-price breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks.

Illinois State Board of Education · IL · 2026-09-10

New Income Guidelines Announced for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals

The Maryland State Department of Education announced updated income eligibility guidelines for school meals provided at no cost or at a reduced price in Maryland.

Maryland State Department of Education · Maryland · 2026-09-04

Governor Healey Partners with Project Bread to Provide Free Meals in Child Care and Afterschool Programs

Massachusetts Governor Healey is working with Project Bread to offer meals at no cost to children attending child care settings and afterschool programs.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education · Massachusetts · 2026-08-19

Colorado expands Healthy School Meals for All with grants for schools to purchase local food, expand scratch cooking, and boost nutrition staff wages

Colorado education officials announced $23.8 million in two noncompetitive grants to help schools buy locally grown ingredients, prepare meals from scratch and raise pay for nutrition workers.

Colorado Department of Education · Colorado · 2026-07-27

New Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced School Meals

Pennsylvania education officials announced USDA income thresholds for meal assistance and free milk, effective July 2026 through June 2027. Schools use them to determine program eligibility.

Pennsylvania Department of Education · Pennsylvania · 2026-07-01

MDE announces USDA income guidelines for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and After School Snack Program

Mississippi education officials announced federal income thresholds for free and reduced-price meals under school lunch, breakfast and after-school snack programs.

Mississippi Department of Education · Mississippi · 2026-07-01