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National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for Virginia


The National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program are federally assisted meal programs, which provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to school aged children. The Virginia Department of Education, School Nutrition Programs, administers the program at the state level, which operates the program through agreements with local school districts. Participating schools must serve breakfasts and lunches that meet Federal nutrition standards, and must provide free and reduced-price meals to eligible children.

The National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program are federally assisted meal programs, which provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to school aged children. The Virginia Department of Education, School Nutrition Programs, administers the program at the state level, which operates the program through agreements with local school districts. Participating schools must serve breakfasts and lunches that meet Federal nutrition standards, and must provide free and reduced-price meals to eligible children.


To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Virginia and all of the following:

  • A parent or primary caregiver, and
  • Responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under).

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)
Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1$26,973
2$36,482
3$45,991
4$55,500
5$65,009
6$74,518
7$84,027
8$93,536

*For households with more than eight people, add $9,509 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.


To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing of your state's schools can be found on the Virginia School Directories page.


For additional information on these programs, please visit the Virginia U.S. Department of Agriculture Programs page. 

You can also contact your child's school to find out what meals are served and how to apply for free or reduced price school meals.