Food Services
NEW FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR
How to Qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Lunch
Families must complete the Alternate Income Survey
What You Need to Know:
- Stamford Public Schools will no longer provide free lunch for all students.
- Families may qualify for their students to receive free or reduced-price lunch based on the USDA income guidelines, through participation in certain assistance programs, or through direct certification.
- To qualify, families must complete an application.
- The State of Connecticut will fund free breakfast for all students during the 2026-27 school year.
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, families must apply and qualify for their children to receive free or reduced-price school lunch.
- Families who believe they may qualify are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Click the button above to access the application online.
- Only one application per household is required. Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year if a family's circumstances change.
- All information provided by families is kept confidential.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on household size and income in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Income Eligibility Guidelines. Children may also qualify automatically through participation in certain assistance programs or through Direct Certification.
USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines for determining eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027 are outlined in the chart at right. For each additional household member, add $7,384 annually for free meals and $10,508 annually for reduced-price meals.
For additional information regarding free and reduced-price school meals, please contact:
Stamford Public Schools
Food and Nutrition Services Office
(203) 977-1177
away@stamfordpublicschools.org.