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National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Massachusetts


The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each day. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. The state of Massachusetts provides additional funds to schools for each meal served to children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

The goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation's children by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school lunch.

Schools receive Federal funds for each lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. The Federal government and the state of Massachusetts provide additional funds to schools for each meal served to children who qualify, because of family income, for free or reduced-price meals.

The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each day. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. The state of Massachusetts provides additional funds to schools for each meal served to children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

The goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation's children by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school lunch.

Schools receive Federal funds for each lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. The Federal government and the state of Massachusetts provide additional funds to schools for each meal served to children who qualify, because of family income, for free or reduced-price meals.


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


For additional information about the programs, please visit the Massachusetts Child Nutrition Office website.

If you have further questions on this initiative, please contact the Massachusetts Child Nutrition Programs office regarding the programs.
781-338-6480

781-338-6480