How many states provide free lunches for students?

January 2, 2026 •

2 min read

As of late 2025, at least nine states have implemented permanent, statewide universal free school lunch programs, a significant shift from traditional income-based eligibility. These policies ensure every public school student receives meals at no cost, regardless of family income.

Quick Summary

A growing number of states have adopted universal free school lunch policies, moving beyond federal income-based eligibility to provide no-cost meals for all public school students.

Key Points

Nine States and Growing: As of late 2025, at least nine states—California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont—have permanent universal free school lunch policies.
Pandemic Catalyst: The widespread availability of free meals during the COVID-19 pandemic inspired state-level action after federal waivers expired in 2022.
Beyond Income Eligibility: Universal programs replace income-based applications with automatic access for all public school students, regardless of family finances.
Multiple Benefits: Providing universal free lunches improves student health and academic performance, reduces food insecurity, and provides economic relief for families.
Addressing Stigma: Universal access eliminates the social stigma and administrative burden associated with applying for free or reduced-price meals.
Funding Challenges: The primary hurdle for universal meal programs is securing stable, long-term state funding amidst rising food and operational costs.

The Rise of Universal Free School Meals

The movement towards universal free school meals gained significant traction during the COVID-19 pandemic when federal waivers made school meals free for all students nationwide. After these waivers expired in 2022, states began implementing their own programs to continue providing universal meal access.

States Offering Universal Free School Lunch

As of the 2025-2026 school year, nine states have permanent, statewide programs providing free breakfast and lunch to all public school students. These states are California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont. Maine was one of the first, implementing its program in 2021, followed by several others in 2022-2023, and New York is the most recent addition for the 2025-2026 school year.

Comparison: Universal State Programs vs. Federal NSLP


Feature	Universal Free Lunch (State Programs)	National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Eligibility	All public school students are eligible, regardless of family income.	Based on household income, students must qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Application Process	No application process is required for families, though districts may still collect eligibility data.	Families must complete an application annually to determine eligibility.
Stigma	Eliminates the stigma often associated with needing free or reduced-price meals.	Can create or reinforce stigma for students who receive free or reduced-price meals.
Impact on Families	Reduces financial burden for all families.	Only provides financial relief to eligible low-income families.
Funding	Relies on a combination of state appropriations, federal reimbursement, and sometimes, dedicated tax revenue.	Primarily funded by federal reimbursement, with states and local districts contributing.
Participation	Often leads to higher school meal participation rates.	Participation can be lower due to complex application processes and associated stigma.

Benefits of Universal Free Lunch Programs

Universal free meal programs offer several benefits, including improved academic outcomes due to better student concentration, reduced food insecurity, and enhanced overall health. They also provide economic relief for families and eliminate “lunch shaming,” creating a more inclusive school environment. Some programs even improve meal quality by partnering with local farms.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the benefits, universal meal programs face challenges such as securing stable funding, managing increased administrative tasks for schools, and addressing potential supply chain or staffing shortages. Some programs have also received feedback about perceived declines in meal quality as participation rises.

Conclusion

Universal free school lunch programs represent a significant policy shift aimed at improving child health and academic achievement. While the federal program remains income-based, a growing number of states are using their own resources to provide free meals for all students. The clear benefits in reducing food insecurity and providing family relief suggest this trend is likely to continue. For more details on state actions, the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) website is a valuable resource.

Food Research & Action Center

Frequently Asked Questions

As of late 2025, the states with permanent universal free lunch programs include California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Vermont.

A universal program provides free meals to all public school students, while the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requires families to meet specific income qualifications to receive free or reduced-price meals.

Funding varies by state but typically involves a combination of state general funds, federal meal reimbursements, and sometimes, dedicated tax revenue sources.

Under a universal program, all students receive free meals, regardless of income. Families who can afford to pay are not required to, which helps reduce administrative costs and eliminates stigma for students.

Yes, in states with universal policies, both free breakfast and free lunch are provided to all students. This builds upon the federal School Breakfast Program.

Primary challenges include securing stable and adequate funding for the long term, managing increased food costs, and addressing potential issues related to food quality or waste as participation rises.

Yes, New York officially implemented its universal free breakfast and lunch program for all public school students starting in the 2025-2026 school year.