Federal Register #2026-06842

Annual Adjustments to Child Nutrition Programs Income Eligibility Guidelines

This notice from the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the Department of Agriculture announces annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines for child nutrition programs. - Applies to: - National School Lunch Program - School Breakfast Program - Special Milk Program for Children - Child and Adult Care Food Program - Summer Food Service Program - Summer EBT for Children Program (administered by States and Indian Tribal Organizations) - Guidelines determine eligibility for: - Free and reduced-price meals - Free milk - Summer EBT benefits - Adjustments are mandated by section 9 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act - Revisions are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index - No OEMs, vendors, or procurement of products/services are involved - No unique requirements beyond statutory mandate for annual adjustment and application to listed programs

Description

This notice announces the Department of Agriculture's annual adjustments to the Income Eligibility Guidelines used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price meals, free milk, and Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. These guidelines apply to schools and institutions participating in various child nutrition programs including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and others, as well as States and Indian Tribal Organizations administering the Summer EBT for Children Program. The adjustments are mandated by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and are revised annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index to target benefits to children most in need.

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