Which states have free school lunch?
Some states, including California, Michigan, and Minnesota (as well as some individual schools) offer free lunch for every student, with no application requirements or income limit. This is sometimes called “universal free lunch.”
It’s not available everywhere, but even if you live in a state or area without universal free lunch, your child may qualify for free or reduced-price lunch though the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which helps children in low-income households get free or low-cost healthy meals at school.
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What is "universal free school lunch?”#what-is-universal-free-school-lunch
Universal free school lunch just means every student in that state’s public schools can get free lunch, no matter their household income.
In states that don’t have universal free lunch, individual schools may still offer universal free lunch through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The CEP lets schools serve free meals to all students in certain schools or districts that serve low-income families.
Which states have free school lunch for all students?#which-states-have-free-school-lunch-for-all-students
As of the 2025 to 2026 school year, these states have state-wide programs that offer free school lunch to all public school students:
- California
- Colorado
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Mexico
- Vermont
Some states also include free breakfast as part of their universal programs. If your state doesn’t have universal free school lunch for everyone, be sure to ask your school if they serve free lunch through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
How does free lunch for all students work?#how-does-free-lunch-for-all-students-work
If you live in one of the nine states above, your child can automatically get free lunch at school. There’s no need to apply or provide income information.
If you don’t live in a state with universal free school lunch, your child may still get free or reduced-price meals if your family meets the income guidelines or already receives benefits like SNAP or TANF.
What to do if your state doesn’t have free lunch for all#what-to-do-if-your-state-doesnt-have-free-lunch-for-all
If your child doesn’t automatically get free lunch, you can:
- Apply for free or reduced-price meals through your school or district
- Ask if your school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Make sure to look into other food assistance, like Summer EBT, SNAP, or local food programs
