This USDA Program Change Will Make an Additional 5 Million K-12 Students Eligible for Free Meals

Many K-12 children utilize the national free school breakfast and lunch programs. It can be difficult for families to afford to put enough food on the table when they have limited funds in their bank accounts. Programs like this ensure their children can get nutritious and filling meals throughout the school year as they continue to grow and develop.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced an upcoming eligibility change that will result in millions of additional children in high-poverty communities qualifying for free school meals. An estimated 3,000 school districts in high-need areas will benefit.

The USDA is expanding access to free school meals

On Sept. 26, the USDA announced it would expand the availability of its Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program beginning on Oct. 26, thanks to a program change.

Through CEP, eligible schools in low-income areas can serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students without requiring families to fill out application forms. Removing burdens like application requirements helps to ensure kids don't go without food.

What's changing is the eligibility requirements for schools to qualify for CEP. Currently, for a school or group of schools to be eligible for CEP, 40% of students have to live in households that participate in certain income-based federal assistance programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Beginning on Oct. 26, the percentage will be reduced to 25%. This will give schools more flexibility and help more students qualify for free meals. The program change will give approximately 3,000 additional school districts in high-need areas the opportunity to offer no-cost breakfast and lunch to all students.

A recent news article from the Associated Press notes an additional estimated 5 million students will become eligible for free breakfast and lunch due to this program change. This news will positively impact many families in need.

Don't ignore public assistance programs like SNAP

If you've been struggling to feed your family, please know you're not alone. According to the USDA, nearly 34 million people in the United States are food insecure.

If you think that you may be eligible for SNAP, you should consider applying for benefits. If you were previously ineligible, but your circumstances have changed, it's worthwhile applying again. You don't want to ignore benefits you may be eligible to receive.

Recipients of the federal program receive monthly funds that can be used to buy eligible food and drink items. SNAP could help you supplement your grocery budget if you qualify for benefits.

Additional support like this can make a big difference as you work to improve your personal finances.

Food banks are another resource that can help

If you don't qualify for SNAP but are struggling financially, other resources are available to help ensure your family doesn't go hungry. Food banks are one option to explore. You can visit food banks in your community to pick up free food. Feeding America has a free local food bank finder on its website if you're unsure where your closest food bank is.

Resources like the ones mentioned above can help you stretch your budget further during difficult financial times. Additionally, don't forget to look for other resources in your area. There may be local organizations that can help provide food or financial support.