Free and Reduced School Meal Program (National School Lunch Program)

The Free and Reduced School Meal Program, also known as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children in public and nonprofit private schools. Eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is based on household income, with those at or below 130% of the federal poverty level qualifying for free meals, and those between 130% and 185% qualifying for reduced-price meals. Schools may not charge children more than 40 cents for a reduced-price lunch. Additionally, children in households participating in certain federal assistance programs or who are classified as homeless, migrant, or foster youth are automatically eligible. 

The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the Program at the
Federal level. At the State level, NSLP is administered by State agencies through agreements with school food authorities. Participating schools receive cash subsidies as well as USDA Foods for each reimbursable meal
they serve. In exchange, schools and institutions must serve lunches that meet the Federal meal pattern requirements.

School districts that have adopted the Community Eligibility Provision are able to offer free meals to all their students regardless of income. 

In Oklahoma, 455,230 students, or 69 percent of total student enrollment, qualified for free or reduced price meals in 2024-25, according to the State Department of Education. Over 90 percent of students in both Tulsa Public Schools and Oklahoma City Public Schools qualified for free or reduced school meals. 

Affiliated programs include the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and After School Snack Program.