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National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Wisconsin


The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) School Breakfast and National School 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. 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 U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) School Breakfast and National School 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. 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 Wisconsin 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$27,861
2$37,814
3$47,767
4$57,720
5$67,673
6$77,626
7$87,579
8$97,532

*For households with more than eight people, add $9,953 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.


For additional information on the School Breakfast Program, please visit the School Breakfast Program webpage.

For additional information on the National School Lunch Program, please visit the National School Lunch Program webpage.

If you have questions regarding the programs please call the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction toll-free at:
1-800-441-4563

1-800-441-4563