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USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Free and reduced-price school meals help children eat well at school, and Summer EBT helps families buy food for children in the summer.
Free School Meals & Summer EBT is actually two programs that help children eat when they might otherwise go hungry.
During the school year, eligible students can get free or reduced-price meals at school. During the summer months, eligible children get Summer EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) benefits—also called SUN Bucks in some states—to buy food at the grocery store.
Summer EBT provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child when school is out for summer. You can use these benefits to purchase food from authorized retailers in participating states, Tribes and territories.
During the school year, your child gets free meals—no payment needed.
Your child may qualify if your household income is at or below the income limits set by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). The limits depend on your household size.
Income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
Your child may also qualify automatically if your household receives SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations).
Free and reduced-price school meals during the school year are handled through your child's school or school district. Contact your school directly to:
Applying is free. Only the school district decides eligibility based on your information.
Summer EBT programs vary by state. Each state runs its own program and has different application processes, deadlines, and names for the benefit.
Visit your state's page for Summer EBT details and links to apply:
For school meals, your school will tell you what to bring or send. Usually you'll need to show:
For Summer EBT, requirements depend on your state. Check your state's page for details.
The school district will review your application. They may ask you for more information. Once approved, your child can start getting free meals at school. Your child will usually get a lunch card or number to use in the cafeteria.
If you qualify, you'll receive Summer EBT benefits on an EBT card (or through another method your state uses). You can then use this card to buy food at authorized stores. The $120 benefit is usually loaded onto the card before summer starts.
School meal eligibility usually lasts for the entire school year. You may need to reapply each school year, depending on your school district.
Summer EBT eligibility is for the summer period only. You would need to apply again the following summer if the program continues in your state.
Use our benefits screener to see what programs you might qualify for.
For more details about how the National School Lunch Program works, visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
If you have questions about your specific situation, contact your child's school or your state's nutrition program office.
Benefits Research Desk · Sep 21, 2026 · 3 min read
Benefits Research Desk · Sep 21, 2026 · 3 min read
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