Free School Lunch in North Carolina: 2025–26 Income Limits
2025–26 NSLP eligibility guidelines and how to apply
In North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
Enter your household size and monthly gross income
2025–26 Income Limits for Free School Meals in North Carolina
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 North Carolina
State agency
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction — School Nutrition Services
Phone: 1-919-807-3501
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
Apply at your child's school at the start of the school year. Many NC schools participate in CEP, eliminating the need for 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 North Carolina 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?"