Free School Lunch in Montana: 2026–27 Income Limits
2026–27 NSLP eligibility guidelines and how to apply
In Montana, 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 $42,900/year ($3,575/month). Between 130% and 185% FPL: reduced-price meals at $0.40 lunch.
Does My Child Qualify in Montana?
Enter your household size and monthly gross income
2026–27 Income Limits for Free School Meals in Montana
USDA NSLP eligibility guidelines — effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (USDA, Child Nutrition Programs: Income Eligibility Guidelines, 91 FR 17932 (April 9, 2026))
| Household size | Free (130% FPL) monthly |
Reduced (185% FPL) monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,729 | $2,461 |
| 2 people | $2,345 | $3,337 |
| 3 people | $2,960 | $4,212 |
| 4 people (typical) | $3,575 | $5,088 |
| 5 people | $4,191 | $5,964 |
| 6 people | $4,806 | $6,839 |
| 7 people | $5,421 | $7,715 |
| 8 people | $6,037 | $8,591 |
How to Apply for Free School Meals in Montana
State agency
Montana Office of Public Instruction — Food and Nutrition
Phone: 1-406-444-2501
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
Applications available at your child's school. Montana participates in CEP at many schools, providing free meals without income applications.
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 Montana 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?"
Other Programs for Montana Families
School Meal Eligibility in Other States
Montana Family Assistance Programs
Families who qualify for one program often qualify for others. Check each one.
Childcare Subsidy (CCDF)
Income limits and how to apply in Montana
Head Start Eligibility
Free early education for low-income families
WIC Benefits
Food assistance for children under 5
Free Pre-K Programs
State-funded preschool eligibility
Childcare Tax Credits
Federal + Montana state credits
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Grocery benefits — income limits in Montana
TANF Cash Assistance
Monthly cash benefits for families with children
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Help paying heating and cooling bills
Section 8 Housing
Housing vouchers — income limits and waitlists