Free School Lunch in Arizona: 2025–26 Income Limits
2025–26 NSLP eligibility guidelines and how to apply
In Arizona, children from households earning at or below 130% of the federal poverty level qualify for free school meals through the NSLP. For a family of 4, that's $40,560/year ($3,380/month). Between 130% and 185% FPL: reduced-price meals at $0.40 lunch.
Does My Child Qualify in Arizona?
Enter your household size and monthly gross income
2025–26 Income Limits for Free School Meals in Arizona
USDA NSLP eligibility guidelines — effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
| Household size | Free (130% FPL) monthly |
Reduced (185% FPL) monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,632 | $2,322 |
| 2 people | $2,215 | $3,152 |
| 3 people | $2,798 | $3,981 |
| 4 people (typical) | $3,380 | $4,810 |
| 5 people | $3,963 | $5,640 |
| 6 people | $4,546 | $6,469 |
| 7 people | $5,129 | $7,299 |
| 8 people | $5,712 | $8,128 |
How to Apply for Free School Meals in Arizona
State agency
Arizona Department of Education — School and Community Nutrition
Phone: 1-602-542-8700
Apply online →What you need to apply
- • Household size (everyone living in the home)
- • Gross monthly income from all sources
- • Child's name and school
- • SNAP/TANF case number (if applicable — auto-approval)
- • Signature of adult household member
Submit the Free and Reduced Price Meal Application online through your school district's portal or pick one up at your child's school.
Is Your School a CEP School?
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) lets high-need schools provide free meals to all students — no income check, no application. Schools qualify when 40%+ of students are directly certified (SNAP, TANF, etc.). Even if Arizona doesn't have statewide universal meals, your child's specific school may participate in CEP. Ask the school office: "Is this school a CEP school?"