Flourish/Free school meals map
By Aliss Higham
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A growing number of states are implementing universal free school meals for students in full-time education.
Universal free school meals are a relatively new phenomenon in the U.S., with the first statewide programs being implemented in recent years offering breakfast and lunch to students regardless of their family's income. But what your children are entitled to can vary according to where you live.
In all states, students from low-income families are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Eligibility is typically determined by family income, and those who qualify for free meals have no cost, while those who qualify for reduced prices pay a subsidized rate. Many states also have expanded rules on who can access free or low-cost breakfast and lunch during school hours.
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But while only nine states have made universal meal programs permanent so far, others are actively introducing or debating legislation that could expand access in the coming years.
Which States Have Free School Meals?
California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York and Vermont have all adopted permanent statewide policies to offer free breakfast and lunch to all public school students. These programs eliminate income-based eligibility requirements, making meals accessible to every child and aiming to reduce the stigma and logistical barriers often tied to free and reduced-price meal programs.
California's Universal Meals Program, Colorado's Healthy School Meals for All and Maine's School Meals for All were all implemented in the 2022–2023 school year. Since then, Massachusetts, Michigan, Vermont, New Mexico and Minnesota have all kickstarted their own programs, with every public school child in the state receiving free lunch and breakfast.
New York is the latest to join the movement, with free school meals being made available to all students in the state during the 2025-2026 school year.
While only nine states have fully free school meals on the table, other states have either widened access to free school meals or are considering legislation to make free meals an option for all children.
Lawmakers in Nebraska, Tennessee, and Washington are all currently considering making free school meals universal.
In Hawaii, free school meals will be available for children previously eligible for discounted breakfast and lunch this school year, impacting 11,000 students.
Earlier this year, Arkansas lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to give free school breakfasts to all students in the state, although free lunches are not available.
Free breakfasts for students have also been available in Pennsylvania since 2023.
Some states have tried to implement free school meals this year, but attempts to pass legislation have been unsuccessful. In Iowa, a bill sponsored by 12 Democrat state lawmakers failed in the committee stage, and in Rhode Island, plans to introduce free school meals in the 2026-2027 school year has also been killed.
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