Income Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Several programs affected
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LANSING - The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced the release of the national household income guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for free and reduced-price meals and free milk through the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Special Milk and Child and Adult Care Food Programs.
The income guidelines are effective now through June 30, 2027.
While all public schools across Michigan are encouraged to continue to offer meals free under the Michigan School Meals program, the income guidelines that are being announced remain critical for families whose children attend schools that do not offer free meals to all children through that program or whose children participate in other nutrition programs such as the Special Milk and Child and Adult Care Food programs.
"It is critically important that Michigan children have access to the nutritious meals they need to be healthy, focused and ready to learn," said State Superintendent Glenn Maleyko. "Providing meals at school helps ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Free and reduced-price meals provide access to these meals, helping us move toward achievement of Goal 3 in Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to improve the health, safety and wellness of all learners."
Under USDA guidelines, families that qualify based on their household income can receive meals for their children at free or reduced prices. These guidelines aim to help make sure that no child goes hungry during the day, leading to better learning and overall health. Under the guidelines a family of four must have an annual household income at or below $42,900 to qualify for free meals or free milk and a annual income at or below $62,050 to qualify for reduced price meals.
To qualify:
• Families should contact their school, school district, childcare center or family day care home sponsor to find out whether they participate in these programs
• Schools, childcare centers, adult day care centers and family day care home sponsors will provide an application or form for households to complete. If all children in a household attend the same school or center, only one form is required per household.
• Adults, children or children experiencing foster care who get support from various programs such as Michigan's Family Independence Program, Food Assistance Program or Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands, or who are enrolled in Head Start, an at-risk afterschool center, or an emergency shelter, are automatically eligible for free meals. Households that receive Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals by filling out an application.
An application to a school, childcare center, adult day care center or family day care home sponsor can be approved if it contains complete documentation of household income, or documentation of current participation in Michigan's Family Independence Program, Food Assistance Program or Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands. Schools, childcare centers, adult day care centers and family day care home sponsors who participate accept these applications at any time during the year. A household may qualify due to a temporary loss of income, such as a period of unemployment.
Information supplied on an application may be verified at any time. In the operation of child nutrition programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age or disability. An appeal procedure is available for households for which applications are denied.
This notification is required every year by the USDA to recognize changes in the consumer price index.
For schools that participate in the Michigan School Meals program, families will still need to complete the Education and Nutrition Benefits application, or the Education Benefits form available from the school. These forms help determine if a local district can get other state funding and may help a household qualify for other support such as Pay to Play waivers, field trip support, and testing fees. Check with the school to see which application or form needs to be completed. Income Guidelines for School Nutrition Programs Frequently Asked Questions are available.