Tag: Free school lunch

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.

As of the 2022-23 school year, California became the first state in the nation to permanently provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students, making free school lunch in California a reality for every K-12 student. This landmark legislation, known as the Universal Meals Program (UMP), fundamentally changed how students access nutritious meals at school, regardless of family income.