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ⓘ Income-Based Eligibility

Free School Lunch in Georgia: 2025–26 Income Limits

2025–26 NSLP eligibility guidelines and how to apply

In Georgia, 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 Georgia?

Enter your household size and monthly gross income

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2025–26 Income Limits for Free School Meals in Georgia

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 Georgia

State agency

Georgia Department of Education — School Nutrition

Phone: 1-404-656-2425

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 your application online through the school district parent portal or obtain a paper form from 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 Georgia 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?"