Most public schools serve breakfast and lunch. Your child can bring food from home or buy the school meal.
Many schools give free meals to every child. This is called community eligibility. Ask the office: "Are meals free for everyone here?"
In other schools, families pay. Lower-income families can get free or reduced-price meals.
Payment is usually by an online account. You add money, and your child types a number at the cash register.
How to apply for free or reduced-price meals
Ask the school or district for the meal application (often called "free and reduced lunch"). It is usually online and in several languages.
List everyone in your home and your total income.
A Social Security number for the parent may be asked, but you can apply without one.
You can apply any time in the year, for example after a job loss.
Eligibility is based on income and household size. The application does not ask about immigration status. For how benefits are treated in green card cases, read Public benefits and the public charge rule (2026).
Food allergies and religion
Tell the school nurse in writing about allergies. Ask for a doctor's form if your child needs medicine at school. Many schools offer vegetarian choices; ask about halal or other needs.
Before school starts, many schools post a supply list: pencils, notebooks, glue sticks, a backpack. Parents buy these.
Stores like Walmart and Target have back-to-school sales in July and August.
Some states have tax-free weekends for school supplies. This differs by state; see In your state below.
If money is tight, tell the school counselor. Many schools and charities give free backpacks and supplies.
WIC is a federal food program for pregnant women, new mothers, babies and children under 5 in lower-income families. It gives healthy food (milk, fruit, formula), nutrition advice and breastfeeding help.
Search "WIC" plus your county, or call your county health department.
Bring proof of identity, address and income.
You get a card to buy approved foods at stores.
Each state runs its own WIC rules. Many states do not ask about immigration status. This differs by state; see In your state below.
Not applying because you think you will not qualify. Families with a single working parent often do.
Forgetting to renew the meal application each new school year.