Welfare Info

National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Kentucky

Kentucky

What is National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Kentucky ?

The National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs are part of the Division of School & Community Nutrition within the Kentucky Department of Education. Today, over 1,300 public, private, and residential child care institutions participate in both the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Programs (SBP). Both NSLP and SBP are federally assisted meal programs that provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free breakfasts and/or lunches to children each school day.

Administration

National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Kentucky is administered by Kentucky.

Program Requirements

Qualification Requirements Last Updated on 2025-07-01

To be eligible for this benefit program, a child must attend a school in Kentucky that participates in the National School Lunch Program and/or the School Breakfast Program. A child is able to receive free or reduced- price meals if they (or their household) meet the basic guidelines:

  • A child whose family income is at or below 130% of the poverty level can receive free meals.
  • A child whose family income is between 130 and 185 percent of the poverty level can receive reduced-cost meals (students in this category are not to be charged more than 40 cents per meal).
  • Students whose family participates in federal assistance programs such as SNAP or KTAP can be directly certified for meal benefits.
  • If a child’s family income is over 185% of poverty, the student will pay a full price for meals, which are actually still cost subsidized by the local school program sponsor.

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $19,578
2 $26,572
3 $33,566
4 $40,560
5 $47,554
6 $54,548
7 $61,542
8 $68,536

*For households with more than eight people, add $6,994 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

The USDA Division of Food and Nutrition Services establishes annual program Income Eligibility Guidelines. The income guidelines are effective from July 1 through June 30 of each year.

Application Details

What is the application process for National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Kentucky ?

To apply for free or reduced price meals, visit the USDA's School Meals page. Please work with your Kentucky local school district to submit applications for free and reduced priced meals. 

Contact Info

502-564-5625

How to Apply

School Meals Application Information

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