Tag: Nslp

Providing nutritionally balanced, low-cost, or free meals to over 30 million children each school day, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is one of the largest food assistance programs in the United States. Its influence extends beyond simply providing food, fundamentally shaping both student nutrition and broader school wellness initiatives across the country.

Every school day, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to nearly 30 million children across the United States. This federal program's impact extends far beyond the cafeteria, profoundly influencing the nutrition and overall wellness of students in two key areas.

According to the Food Research & Action Center, children in households with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for free school meals. This guide details what determines eligibility for free lunch, including income-based criteria and automatic qualification through other assistance programs.