All schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program provide free school meals. This includes all public schools and most charter schools in Massachusetts.
There is NO COST for any student to receive school lunch at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. There is no cost for breakfast or a snack either at schools where they are available.
School Breakfast and Lunch are available at no cost to ALL students in Massachusetts this school year (2022-2023)! This includes all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.
Free school meals are the one-stop solution to making parents’ lives easier and kids’ lives more joyful, delicious, and community-oriented.
Breakfast and lunch may be necessities, but it doesn't mean they can't be a little fun, too. Everyone eats—and it’s better when we do it together.
Universal Free School Meals has been extended in Massachusetts for the 2022-2023 school year! There will be no cost to families for any student to receive school lunch. at schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. There is no cost for breakfast or a snack either at schools where they are available.
Contact your student's school to learn more about the free breakfast program
It's much easier to change the world on a full stomach. Breakfast is deliciously made daily for students in many schools, and is provided to all students at no-cost for the 2022-2023 year at schools participating in the School Breakfast Program! When your students starts their day eating school breakfast, they'll have:
All schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program provide free school meals. This includes all public schools and most charter schools in Massachusetts.
Lunch is free for all students and is served in every school that participates in the National School Lunch Program. Many schools also offer breakfast and some even provide a snack. If your child’s school serves lunch, breakfast, and a snack, all are available at no cost. If you are unsure of what meals are offered by your child's school, contact your school district directly to find out.
Yes, for the 2022-2023 school year, schools are operating in person and free school meals are available in school to all students.
Yes, your school district will make free school meals accessible to students who are quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19. If this should happen, contact your school to find out how to receive meals.
Yes, please. Even though the state of MA has extended universal free meals, it remains very important for all families to complete the annual Household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals. This form allows school districts to serve families more effectively by establishing eligibility for other important programs such as P-EBT benefits, fee waivers for school district programs/services (as determined by each school district), and more. To find the application, visit your district’s website or contact the School Nutrition Department at your district.
Your child participating in free school meals does not take away meals from anyone else – in fact – it helps other children and families who need it most! All families are encouraged to take advantage of free school meals because it:
Yes, school meals are required to follow a federal meal pattern that includes specified amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. School meals must also meet limits for sodium, saturated fat, and overall calories. Menus often feature locally sourced food supporting farms, fisheries, and other producers in local communities.
If you live in Massachusetts and need food assistance, start by calling Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333 or visit our Get Help page to learn more.
We can connect you to programs that will help you afford groceries and put food on the table.
Calling us is always free, and confidential. Our counselors can assist you with:
If you received P-EBT benefits, there is a good chance you could qualify for SNAP benefits, call us today and our counselors will pre-screen you for SNAP to find out if you are eligible.
Here are the top 5 reasons free school meals are the one-stop solution to making parents’ lives easier and kids’ lives more joyful, delicious, and community-oriented!