DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Department of Education has announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s policy for free and reduced-price meals for the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring that children who cannot pay the full price for school meals still have access to breakfast, lunch and snacks.
The policy applies to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and After School Snack Program. The DoE says each school and its administrative office maintains a copy of the full policy, which is available for review by anyone interested.
In the upcoming school year, schools will return to standard operations for meal programs, which includes collecting applications to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals, unless the school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows all students to receive meals at no cost without individual applications.
Application Process
Meal Benefit Forms will be sent home with students, along with a letter to parents or guardians explaining how to apply. Households can apply at any time during the school year.
For those not receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Delaware Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits, the MBF requires:
Names of all household members
Gross income for each member and income source
How often income is received
Signature of an adult household member
Last four digits of the adult's Social Security number or a checked box stating the adult has none
For households receiving SNAP or DE-TANF, the child’s name, benefit case number, and an adult's signature are required if not already directly certified.
Households are encouraged to report changes in income or family size during the school year, which may affect eligibility.
Eligibility and Appeals
The school’s nutrition services supervisor will review submitted MBFs to determine eligibility. If parents or guardians disagree with the outcome, they may request an informal discussion or submit a formal appeal orally or in writing to the school’s administrative office.
Children enrolled in Head Start or identified as homeless, migrant, runaway, or in foster care are automatically eligible for free meals. Parents or guardians should complete the MBF or contact their school for assistance.
Income Guidelines
Eligibility is based on household size and income. For example, a family of four qualifies for free meals if their income is at or below $41,795 per year, or for reduced-price meals if their income is at or below $59,478 per year. Income guidelines apply from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Non-discrimination and Accessibility
The USDA prohibits discrimination in its programs based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, and other factors. Program information is available in alternative formats and languages upon request.
Complaints of discrimination can be filed by completing the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form online or by contacting the USDA via mail, fax or email.
For more details, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school or visit the Delaware Department of Education website.