Maryland free school meals will use new income eligibility limits through June 30, 2027. The change affects families applying for free or reduced-price meals, as noted by the Baltimore Chronicle editorial team.
The Maryland State Department of Education release announced the updated rules on September 4, 2026. Eligibility mainly depends on household size and annual income.
New Maryland school lunch income limits
For a family of 4, free school meal eligibility now extends to annual income of $42,900. The reduced-price category reaches $61,050.
| Household size | Free meals | Reduced-price ceiling |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,748 | $29,526 |
| 2 | $28,132 | $40,034 |
| 3 | $35,516 | $50,542 |
| 4 | $42,900 | $61,050 |
| 5 | $50,284 | $71,558 |
| 6 | $57,668 | $82,066 |
| 7 | $65,052 | $92,574 |
| 8 | $72,436 | $103,082 |
The Maryland school lunch income limits use federal poverty guidelines updated annually. Free-meal limits equal 130% of those guidelines. Reduced-price limits equal 185%.
Maryland funding covers meals for students placed in the reduced-price category. Those qualifying students therefore receive meals without charge.
Who can qualify automatically
Some children do not need a standard household-income application. MSDE lists several groups that can receive free meals automatically:
- children in Head Start or Even Start;
- foster children;
- children certified as homeless, migrant, or runaway;
- children in households receiving SNAP or TCA benefits.
U.S. citizenship is not required to apply. Families should still check their school’s instructions for the local application process.
How families can apply or reapply
A school meal application must be completed in full. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.
Schools review applications and notify households about each child’s eligibility. Parents may request clarification, appeal a decision, or seek a district hearing.
Families can reapply after changes in income, employment, or household size. They can also reapply after becoming eligible for SNAP or TCA.
The full income chart is available through Eat Smart Maryland. Families may also call MSDE’s nutrition office at 410-767-0219.
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