Get Usda Food Program Eligibility Form

UFM provides free school lunches to all the city's students, regardless of family income, unlike previous federal meal provisions in which student eligibility was based on family poverty levels.

Now, eligibility increases to families at 200% of that level, which translates to households with three children earning up to $46,060. For families with two children, the income cutoff will be $36,620. The program will cost about $19 million a year and will be implemented starting in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Meal CategoriesEligibilityFreeIncome up to 130% of poverty ($34,450 for a family of 4 annually)Reduced (no charge to student)Income up to 185% of poverty ($49,025 for a family of 4 annually)Full price* - paid by familyIncome over 185% of poverty ($49,025 for a family of 4 annually)

Public school children qualify for free lunches if their family's income is less than 130 percent of the federal poverty level. Public school children qualify for reduced price lunches if their family's income is less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level.

The Free Summer Meals program provides free breakfast and lunch at schools, parks, pools, libraries, and food trucks in all five boroughs. Breakfast and lunch are available for all children ages 18 and younger and all people with disabilities, regardless of age, who participate in special education programs.

This program provides nutritious USDA foods for household use to low-income families throughout the State utilizing contracted agencies such as food banks and community action agencies. Eligibility is income based at 130% of the poverty rate.

Who is eligible for this program? Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)1$26,9732$36,4823$45,9914$55,5004 more rows

Findings: In 2016/17, 52.9 percent of New York State's public school students in grades K-12 received free or reduced-price school lunch. About 72 percent of New York City public school children received free or reduced-price school lunch compared to 41 percent in Rest of State.

New York City, Albany, Rochester, and Yonkers are among the municipalities in New York that offer universal free school meals. While a bill on the State level was introduced in 2021, it has been in committee ever since.