The Maryland State Department of Education announced updated income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals, effective through June 30, 2026, to align with federal adjustments for the 2025-2026 school year. Families in Southern Maryland counties, including Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s, can apply based on household size and income to ensure children receive nutritional support during the academic year. For a household of four, children qualify for free meals if annual income is $41,795 or less, while incomes between $41,796 and $59,478 allow for reduced-price meals. These thresholds stem from federal poverty guidelines multiplied by 130% for free eligibility and 185% for reduced, as set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Applications must be complete to process, and schools notify families of determinations. Households can reapply anytime if circumstances change, such as shifts in income, employment or eligibility for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Cash Assistance. Certain children automatically qualify without applications, including those in Head Start, Even Start, certified as homeless, migrant, runaway, foster care or from SNAP or TCA households. U.S. citizenship is not required.
In Charles County Public Schools, families apply online at myschoolapps.com, with only one form needed per household. The district expanded the Maryland Meals for Achievement program to 32 schools for 2025-2026, providing free breakfast to all students at those sites, funded by the state. This includes locations like Benjamin Stoddert Middle School and J.C. Parks Elementary, helping address morning nutrition needs in areas with higher eligibility rates. Charles County meal prices rose 10 cents for the year, with elementary lunch at $2.85 and secondary at $3, but reduced-price meals are covered by state funding under the Maryland Cares for Kids Act.
Calvert County Public Schools determine eligibility similarly, encouraging applications through their child nutrition department. The district participates in federal programs, with some schools offering universal free meals via the Community Eligibility Provision if enough students qualify directly. For 2025-2026, Calvert accepts applications anytime, noting that incomplete forms delay approvals. St. Mary’s County Public Schools charge $3 for elementary lunch and $3.25 for secondary, with reduced-price at no cost and breakfast at $1.75. Their online application for free and reduced meals opened for the school year, emphasizing one per household.
The updates reflect annual USDA adjustments to target aid at children in need, with full guidelines listing limits by household size: for one person, free at $22,269 or less annually, reduced up to $31,659; for two, free at $30,186 or less, reduced up to $42,952; for three, free at $38,103 or less, reduced up to $54,245; for five, free at $49,712 or less, reduced up to $70,764; for six, free at $57,629 or less, reduced up to $82,057; for seven, free at $65,546 or less, reduced up to $93,350; for eight, free at $73,463 or less, reduced up to $104,643; adding $7,917 for free and $11,293 for reduced per additional member. These apply to the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, which served over 30 million children nationwide in fiscal 2024.
For Southern Maryland families, these programs tie into local efforts to combat food insecurity, where rural access and commuting costs can strain budgets. In Charles County, summer extensions like Meals on the Move and Lunch on Us provided free meals to youth ages two to 18 from June through August 2025, at sites including La Plata High School and community parks. St. Mary’s offered similar summer meals at libraries and schools, ensuring continuity. Calvert’s grab-and-go options ran through August, with applications available by phone.
Statewide, the guidelines aim to boost participation, as Maryland’s free and reduced eligibility hovered around 50% of students pre-update. The Maryland Cares for Kids Act eliminates reduced-price costs, making meals more accessible. Families disagreeing with decisions can appeal to district officials or request hearings. MSDE oversees compliance with USDA nutrition standards, requiring meals to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy.
These programs trace back to the National School Lunch Act of 1946, expanded over decades to address child hunger. In Maryland, they integrate with broader nutrition initiatives, such as partnerships with local farms for fresh produce. For Southern Maryland, where agriculture supports communities, such ties enhance meal quality. Additional resources include the Eat Smart Maryland website for guidelines and the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410-767-0219. Local districts like Charles County also collaborate with food banks, such as through Giant Food round-up campaigns benefiting school pantries. As enrollment grows, these updates position Maryland to serve more students effectively, particularly in regions with varying economic pressures.
Free Meals
Household Size Annual Monthly Twice per Month Every Two Weeks Weekly 1 $20,345 $1,696 $848 $783 $392 2 $27,495 $2,292 $1,146 $1,058 $529 3 $34,645 $2,888 $1,444 $1,333 $667 4 $41,795 $3,483 $1,742 $1,608 $804 5 $48,945 $4,079 $2,040 $1,883 $942 6 $56,095 $4,675 $2,338 $2,158 $1,079 7 $63,245 $5,271 $2,636 $2,433 $1,217 8 $70,395 $5,867 $2,934 $2,708 $1,354 For each additional family member add… $7,150 $596 $298 $275 $138
Reduced-Price Meals
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice per Month | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 | $1,207 | $1,114 | $557 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $1,631 | $1,505 | $753 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 | $2,055 | $1,897 | $949 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 | $2,479 | $2,288 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 | $2,903 | $2,679 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 | $3,327 | $3,071 | $1,536 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 | $3,751 | $3,462 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 | $4,175 | $3,853 | $1,927 |
| For each additional family member add… | $10,175 | $848 | $424 | $392 | $196 |