Students may qualify for no cost or reduced-price meals if the household income is within the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, which are based on federal poverty guidelines. TDA provides a tool for households to enter income information and determine if the household qualifies for meals before submitting an application. That tool is available at: SquareMeals.org/AmIEligible
Students may also qualify for no cost or reduced-price meals if the household or students in the home participate in certain assistance programs:
- All students in the household are eligible if any person in the household receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.
- Individuals children may qualify if the student in the household is a foster child under the legal responsibility of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or a court.
- Individual students may qualify if the student is enrolled in Head Start, is homeless or a runaway, or is a member of a migrant family.
If a household does not currently qualify, any change in employment status or participation in one of the programs listed above may cause all children or some children in the household to be eligible for no cost or reduced-price meals. If that occurs, a household may submit a new application based on the change of circumstances.
Summer Meal Programs
In addition, Summer Meal Programs are open to all kids and teens 18 and under at locations across Texas. Meals and snacks are also available to persons with disabilities, over age 18, who participate in school programs for people who are mentally or physically disabled. Share this link with parents to enable them to find a site near their home: SummerFood.org