Free School Lunch in District of Columbia: 2025–26 Income Limits
2025–26 NSLP eligibility guidelines and how to apply
In District of Columbia, 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 District of Columbia?
Enter your household size and monthly gross income
2025–26 Income Limits for Free School Meals in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia
State agency
DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education — School Nutrition Programs
Phone: 1-202-727-6436
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
DC participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), meaning all schools in high-need areas provide free meals to all students.
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 District of Columbia 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?"