July 22, 2026
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is announcing 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 Dr. 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.
To qualify:
|
Total Family |
Scale for Free Meals or Free Milk Annual |
Scale for Free Meals or Free Milk Monthly |
Scale for Reduced Price Meals Annual |
Scale for Reduced Price Meals Monthly |
|
1 |
$20,748 |
$1,729 |
$29,526 |
$2,461 |
|
2 |
$28,132 |
$2,345 |
$40,034 |
$3,337 |
|
3 |
$35,516 |
$2,960 |
$50,542 |
$4,212 |
|
4 |
$42,900 |
$3,575 |
$61,050 |
$5,088 |
|
5 |
$50,284 |
$4,191 |
$71,558 |
$5,964 |
|
6 |
$57,668 |
$4,806 |
$82,066 |
$6,839 |
|
7 |
$65,052 |
$5,421 |
$92,574 |
$7,715 |
|
8 |
$72,436 |
$6,037 |
$103,082 |
$8,591 |
|
For each additional family member add: |
$7,384 |
$616 |
$10,508 |
$876 |
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.
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