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.
Stay Full. Eat at School.
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.
Serving Massachusetts
School Meals
Child Nutrition Programs
Overview
Free School Breakfast + Free School Lunch
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.
About School Meals
When the school day begins, worrying about food should end :)
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.
Excellent News
Free School Meals Will Continue Through the 2022-2023 School Year!
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.
The Benefits of School Meals
Take one thing off your plate, while making sure theirs is full.
- Saves you time — out of bed and out the door!
- Saves you money — an average of $1,000 per year/per child.
- Boosts revenue for your child’s school — which is reinvested in improving your child's school meal program.
- Breaks down barriers and stigma — more students eating school meals helps break down barriers and stigma for other children eating school meals.
Have your Child Grab Free & Filling Breakfast at School Every Morning!
The benefits of School Breakfast
But First, Breakfast!
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:
- Better Productivity — the records show that students who eat breakfast have better memory (great for test-taking), better behavior, and better attendance records.
- Better Health — by stopping the "hanger" before it starts and lowering obesity risk.
- Better Mornings — one less thing for you to worry about, which is pretty much priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
- For students attending school in person, meals are served in school Monday through Friday on school days.
- Some school districts may offer Grab & Go free meals for students quarantined due to COVID-19 or other special circumstances. Contact your local school district to inquire if they are operating any type of Grab & Go meals.
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:
- Saves you time & money
- Boosts revenue for your child's school
- Breaks down barriers and stigma for other children who eat school meals
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:
- Finding out if you are eligible for SNAP (financial assistance for groceries) and help you apply.
- Finding free meals for your kids in your community
- Learning about how to use your HIP benefits
- Finding meal programs and food pantries
- and more...
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.