The household income brackets for Michigan students who are eligible for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch at school have been announced by the Michigan Department of Education. 

During the past two years, all Michigan public school students could get free meals at school under the Michigan School Meals program that combined federal and state funds to pay for cafeteria service. However, because the state budget for the upcoming year has not been approved, Michigan school districts do not yet know whether funding will be available for the free meal program. 

Without state or district money filling in the budget gaps, breakfast and lunch assistance reverts to household income brackets in a formula set by the federal government. 

A limited household income means all children in that family get free school meals; a slightly higher amount of household income allows their families to purchase meals at a lower cost. 

How to apply for school meal assistance

Unless their district has announced it will provide free meals this year, families must complete an application to get the free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch assistance. There are some exceptions to household income rules, such as free meals automatically approved for children in foster care. 

Families can submit an application at any time during the year should circumstances change, such as for a loss of paycheck due to unemployment. 

In some cases, school districts ask all families to fill out the application because the overall income information can help the district qualify for other grants and programs. 

Income brackets for school meals

For the 2025-26 school year, the annual household income brackets that apply to Michigan residents include the following: 

• Two people in the family: up to $27,495 for free school meals; up to $39,128 for reduced-price meals. 
• Three people in the family: up to $34,645 for free school meals; up to $49,303 for reduced-price school meals.  
• Four people in the family: up to $41,795 for free school meals; up to $59,478 for reduced-price school meals 
• Five people in the family: up to $48,945 for free school meals; up to $69,653 for reduced-price meals. 

Paying out of pocket for school meals

Cafeteria pricing is set by each school or district, according to the School Nutrition Association, with cost and menu plans relayed during school year registration. 

Students often can bring their own lunches to school, but a recent study says costs are rising for food items commonly packed in a homemade lunch.