Free School Lunch in New Hampshire: Universal Meals for All Students
2025–26 NSLP eligibility guidelines and how to apply
New Hampshire provides free breakfast and lunch to every student through a universal free meal program. No income check. No application. Every child who walks into school eats free.
How New Hampshire's Universal Free Meal Program Works
Who gets free meals: Every student enrolled in a participating public school — no income verification, no paperwork.
What's covered: Free breakfast and lunch on every school day. Both meals are provided under the federal NSLP and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
How it's funded: New Hampshire uses a combination of federal NSLP/SBP reimbursements and state appropriations to cover the full cost for all students, including those who wouldn't qualify under the standard income rules.
New Hampshire provides free meals to ALL students through the Universal School Meals Program (started SY 2024-25). No income application required.
Federal NSLP Income Limits (for reference)
In New Hampshire, these don't apply — all students eat free. But if you move to another state, these are the nationwide thresholds.
| Household size | Free meals (130% FPL) | Reduced-price (185% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,632/mo ($19,578/yr) | $2,322/mo ($27,861/yr) |
| 2 people | $2,215/mo ($26,572/yr) | $3,152/mo ($37,814/yr) |
| 3 people | $2,798/mo ($33,566/yr) | $3,981/mo ($47,767/yr) |
| 4 people | $3,380/mo ($40,560/yr) | $4,810/mo ($57,720/yr) |
| 5 people | $3,963/mo ($47,554/yr) | $5,640/mo ($67,673/yr) |
| 6 people | $4,546/mo ($54,548/yr) | $6,469/mo ($77,626/yr) |
| 7 people | $5,129/mo ($61,542/yr) | $7,299/mo ($87,579/yr) |
| 8 people | $5,712/mo ($68,536/yr) | $8,128/mo ($97,532/yr) |
How to Apply for Free School Meals in New Hampshire
State agency
New Hampshire Department of Education — Child Nutrition Programs
Phone: 1-603-271-3854
Apply online →What you need to apply
- ✓ No application required in New Hampshire
- ✓ All students automatically receive free meals
- ✓ Just enroll your child in school