The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has announced that all public school districts and many private schools across the state will participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2025-2026 academic year.
These federal programs provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible students, helping ensure that Kansas children receive nutritious meals during the school day regardless of family income.
Households may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. Application forms and information letters are available through each school district or private school, and additional copies can be obtained from the principal’s office. For applications to be approved, they must include all required eligibility information as outlined in the application instructions.
Children from households that receive Food Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF), or benefits through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are automatically eligible for free meals. These households will be notified by their school unless they choose to decline benefits. If a household does not receive a notification, they should submit an application with the required case number and an adult signature.
Children participating in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program or receiving certain Medicaid benefits may also qualify. Notifications will be sent to households approved under Medicaid guidelines.
Other eligible groups include children in the Head Start Program, the Migrant Education Program, or those identified as homeless or runaway by the district’s liaison. Foster children under state or court custody also automatically qualify for free meals, although eligibility does not extend to other household members unless a complete application is submitted listing all residents.
For families not participating in assistance programs, eligibility is determined based on income and household size. Applications must include all household members, current income, sources of income, and the last four digits of the Social Security number of the adult who signs the application (or a statement if no SSN is available).
All applications are reviewed by a designated school official. Parents who disagree with the eligibility determination may appeal the decision informally or request a formal hearing. Contact your local school district or private school for hearing information.
Households are encouraged to report changes in employment or household size, which may affect eligibility during the year.
For more information, contact your local school district or visit the Kansas State Department of Education website.