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National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Iowa


The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children each school day. Over 92,000 schools offer lunches at school, and nearly 70,000 schools offer breakfast at school nationwide. School breakfasts and lunches must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Federal nutrition standards. Some schools offer afterschool snacks to children in the school's afterschool care programs.

The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children each school day. Over 92,000 schools offer lunches at school, and nearly 70,000 schools offer breakfast at school nationwide. School breakfasts and lunches must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Federal nutrition standards. Some schools offer afterschool snacks to children in the school's afterschool care programs.


To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Iowa 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.


For additional information about the Iowa School Breakfast Program, please visit the Iowa School Breakfast Program page.

For additional information about the Iowa School Lunch Program, please visit the Iowa School Lunch Program page.

Also, you can call the Bureau of Food and Nutrition to speak with a State representative regarding the programs at:
515-281-4754

515-281-4754