Pennsylvania Education Department raises income limits for school meal programs: Here’s what it means for students and families
More students across Pennsylvania will now have access to free or reduced-price school meals, as the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has raised income eligibility limits for the 2025–26 academic year. The update is part of the state’s ongoing effort to ensure all students have access to nutritious meals during the school day, supporting both learning and overall well-being.The revised guidelines took effect on July 1, 2025, and aligned with annual federal updates issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
What’s changed?
The new income thresholds allow more families to qualify for meal benefits:
- A family of four earning $40,882 or less annually is now eligible for free meals.
- A family of four earning up to $58,016 qualifies for reduced-price meals.
Eligibility depends on both household size and total income. Schools typically send out applications at the beginning of the academic year. In some cases, students are automatically eligible based on participation in other government assistance programs.
Why it matters
Expanding access to school meal programs helps address child hunger and reduces the financial burden on families. Nutritious meals at school contribute to better classroom behaviour, higher attendance rates, and improved academic performance. These benefits are especially important for students from low- and middle-income households.In addition to supporting physical health, school meals also help reduce stress and promote a more equitable learning environment, ensuring all students have the fuel they need to focus and succeed.
Programs impacted
The updated income limits apply to several federally assisted programs, including:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Special Milk Program
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
These programs serve children during the school year and, in some cases, during summer and after-school hours as well.
What about schools with free meals for all?
Many schools in Pennsylvania participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal initiative that allows schools in high-poverty areas to serve free meals to all students, regardless of household income. Families whose children attend a CEP-participating school do not need to submit income applications.
What families should do next
Families are encouraged to:
- Check with their child’s school or district office to see if it participates in the CEP.
- Review the new income guidelines to determine eligibility.
- Complete and return meal benefit applications if required by the school.
Additional information and application instructions are typically included in back-to-school packets or available on school district websites.
The bottom line
With the cost of living continuing to rise, the updated income limits for school meal programs aim to provide much-needed support for Pennsylvania families. Ensuring students have consistent access to healthy meals is a critical step toward helping them thrive both in and out of the classroom.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
