Skip to main content
Resource | Final Rule Final Rule: Direct Certification of Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools

 This rule amends the regulations governing the determination of eligibility for free and reduced price school meals under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program or free milk in schools participating in the Special Milk Program.

11/20/2014
Resource Child Nutrition Programs Income Eligibility Guidelines (2013-2014)

This notice announces the Department's annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines to be used in determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals and free milk for the period from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

11/20/2014
Resource | Guidance Documents Eligibility Effective Date for Directly Certified Students

This memorandum addresses inquiries regarding flexibility in determining the effective date of eligibility for students who are directly certified to receive free meals or free milk in the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Special Milk Program.

06/19/2014
Resource | Guidance Documents Determining Eligibility for Two Cent Differential Reimbursement in New Schools

Section 4 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act provides general cash for food assistance payments to states to assist schools in purchasing food. The NSLA provides two different section 4 payment levels for lunches served under the NSLP.

03/28/2014
Resource | Policy New Q&As Related to the Certification of Compliance with Meal Requirements for the NSLP

Attached are revised questions and answers related to the final rule entitled, Certification of Compliance with Meal Requirements for the National School Lunch Program under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

03/11/2014
Resource | Research and Data | Impacts/Evaluations Community Eligibility Provision Evaluation

Under the Community Eligibility Provision, schools do not collect or process meal applications for free and reduced-price meals served in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Schools must serve all meals at no cost with any costs in excess of the federal reimbursement paid from non-federal sources. 

02/25/2014
Page updated: June 02, 2026