SCHOOL MEALS
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.
DOES MY CHILD QUALIFY?
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Children in households receiving SNAP or Families First automatically qualify for free school meals.
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Foster children under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court qualify for free school meals, regardless of household income.
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Children in households participating in WIC may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, but you'll need to complete a school meals application.
You and your child do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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Your child's school should provide a Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application. If you don't receive one, contact the school directly. Complete one application for all children in your household, ensure it is filled out completely, and return it to one of your children's schools.
JOIN US IN ADVOCATING FOR SCHOOL MEALS​
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Food is the most important school supply. School meals fuel students for success while fighting hunger. Students can't learn on an empty stomach. While some children qualify for free school meals, many are left out. Just like books and buses, school meals should be available at no cost to Tennessee kids. Let's work together to ensure more students have access to nutritious, no cost meals.