Maryland Announces Updated Income Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has announced updated income eligibility guidelines for its free and reduced-price school meal program, affecting families throughout the state for the upcoming academic year. These adjustments, adopted by MSDE and effective through June 30, 2026, are made annually by the federal government to ensure that children most in need receive access to nutritious meals.

Eligibility for these programs is determined by a household’s size and its annual income. For a family of four, for instance, the threshold for qualifying for free school meals is an annual household income at or below $41,795. If a family of four’s income ranges between $41,796 and $59,478, their children are eligible for reduced-price meals. The guidelines are calculated based on federal income poverty guidelines, with free meals available to households at or below 130% of the poverty level and reduced-price meals for those at or below 185%. U.S. citizenship is not a prerequisite for families applying for these benefits.

MSDE oversees the state’s school meal programs, ensuring they meet the nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The cost of reduced-price meals is covered by state funding through the Maryland Cares for Kids Act. The application process requires submission of complete forms; incomplete applications will not be processed. Following a review of submitted applications, schools will inform families about their children’s eligibility. Parents or guardians who have concerns or disagree with a decision have the option to request clarification from school officials, appeal the determination, or initiate a hearing with school district administrators.

Certain children are automatically eligible for free school meals without the need to submit an application. This includes those participating in programs such as Head Start, Even Start, or who are certified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or are foster children. Additionally, children living in households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits are also automatically eligible for free meals. Families are encouraged to reapply for benefits at any point during the school year if their circumstances change, such as alterations in household size, employment status, or income, or if they begin receiving SNAP or TCA benefits.

Families seeking more information or needing to access application forms can visit http://www.eatsmartmaryland.org or contact the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs directly at 410-767-0219.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland State Department of Education

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