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National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Texas


The Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division administers the National School Lunch (NSLP) and School Breakfast Programs (SBP) for Public Schools. The goal of the NSLP and SBP is to safeguard the health and well being of school children by establishing good eating habits through the availability of adequate food. Public and nonprofit schools, residential child care institutions, juvenile correctional institutions, and boarding schools may participate in these programs.

The Texas Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Division administers the National School Lunch (NSLP) and School Breakfast Programs (SBP) for Public Schools. The goal of the NSLP and SBP is to safeguard the health and well being of school children by establishing good eating habits through the availability of adequate food. Public and nonprofit schools, residential child care institutions, juvenile correctional institutions, and boarding schools may participate in these programs.


Children may be determined “categorically eligible” for free meals through participation in certain Federal Assistance Programs, such as the SNAP, or based on their status as a homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster child.

Children enrolled in a federally-funded Head Start Program, or a comparable State-funded pre-kindergarten program, are also categorically eligible for free meals.

Children can also qualify for free or reduced price school meals based on household income and family size. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the Federal poverty level are eligible for reduced price meals.

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.


Use the Texas School District Locator to contact your child's school and apply for free or reduced price meals.


For more information, please email squaremeals@texasagriculture.gov with questions or for any concerns.

Your child's school will be able to provide you with what meals are being served.