Free School Lunch in Texas: 2025–26 Income Limits
2025–26 NSLP eligibility guidelines and how to apply
In Texas, 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 Texas?
Enter your household size and monthly gross income
2025–26 Income Limits for Free School Meals in Texas
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 Texas
State agency
Texas Department of Agriculture — Food and Nutrition Division
Phone: 1-877-TEX-MEAL (877-839-6325)
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 or through the district's online portal at SquareMeals.org. Texas has the largest school nutrition program in the country.
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 Texas 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?"