Families/Caregivers

Back to School 2023-24

What you need for a healthy school meal:

Who is Eligible

The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) allows schools located in low-income areas to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. Children attending a school within the CEP program do not need to fill out a school meal application. In other school areas, eligibility on the school meals program is based on income levels. Families that believe their income is under these limits should fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals through their school.

Additional Support for Families

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

Discounted, high-speed internet is available for families with kids eligible for free and reduced-price school meals!

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households up to $30/month (or $75/month for households living on tribal lands) toward their internet bills, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.

All households with a child who was approved to receive free or reduced-price school meals within the last 12 months are eligible for ACP benefits, including children who attend schools participating in the CEP. Households are also independently eligible if:

• Their income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($55,500 for a family of four); or
• A member of the household participates in certain other federal benefit programs—including, among others, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid, and Federal Public Housing Assistance.

Families can check their eligibility, sign up, and find fully covered plans at GetInternet.gov (mobile-accessible and available in Spanish) or by calling 877-384-2575.

Healthy Eating Resources for Kids

Fun Activities

• MyPlate food group quizzes
• MyPlate coloring sheet (English | Spanish)

Additional Resources

• MyPlate Healthy Eating for Kids
• MyPlate Healthy Eating for Kids Tip Sheet (English | Spanish)
• Healthy Snacking with MyPlate Tip Sheet (English | Spanish)
• MyPlate Guide to School Breakfast (English | Spanish)
• MyPlate Guide to School Lunch (English | Spanish)