As students prepare to return to classrooms across the state, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is announcing the federal income eligibility guidelines for students to receive free and reduced-price lunch, breakfast, and after-school snacks at participating schools. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and After-School Care Program are funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by ISBE. The following chart lists the household size and income criteria that determine students’ eligibility to receive free and reduced-price lunch, breakfast, and after-school snacks through NSLP and SBP. USDA’s Fiscal Year 2026 Income Eligibility Guidelines are also on ISBE’s website. These guidelines took effect at the start of the 2026 fiscal year on July 1, 2025, and are updated annually to reflect changes in federal poverty guidelines.

Photo Caption 1) Income Eligibility Guidelines; Effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026; Free Meals – 130 percent Federal Poverty Guidelines

Photo Caption 2) Income Eligibility Guidelines; Effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026; Reduced-Price Meals – 185 percent Federal Poverty Guidelines