Food Assistance Programs for Children

Nutrition programs that help feed children from infancy through high school.

School Meal Programs

Free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch for children at school.

National School Lunch Program

  • Who Qualifies: Based on household income (130% of poverty for free, 185% for reduced-price)
  • What's Provided: Nutritious lunch meeting USDA standards
  • Cost: Free, or reduced-price (max $0.40 for lunch, $0.30 for breakfast)
  • How to Apply: Complete application at your child's school at start of year

School Breakfast Program

Many schools offer free breakfast before classes start. Same eligibility as lunch program. Breakfast is critical for learning and attendance.

Community Eligibility: Some high-poverty schools offer free meals to ALL students regardless of income. Check if your school qualifies.

Summer Food Service Program

When school is out, children can still get free meals at community sites.

How It Works

  • Free meals at parks, libraries, schools, community centers
  • No registration or application needed
  • Open to all children 18 and under
  • Meals served at specific times (typically lunch)

Finding Summer Meal Sites

Text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 304-304 to find sites near you, or call 1-866-348-6479.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

Nutrition program for children under age 5.

Who Qualifies

  • Infants (birth to 1 year)
  • Children (1 to 5 years old)
  • Pregnant women and new mothers
  • Income at or below 185% of poverty level

What WIC Provides

  • Infant formula and baby food
  • Healthy foods (milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
  • Nutrition education
  • Breastfeeding support

Learn More About WIC

After-School Snack Programs

Free snacks and meals for children participating in after-school programs.

  • Available at schools, community centers, and youth programs
  • Nutritious snacks or full meals
  • Combined with homework help, sports, and activities
  • Free to children in participating programs

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

Provides meals and snacks at child care centers, day care homes, and after-school programs.

Who Benefits

  • Children in licensed child care facilities
  • Children in family day care homes
  • Children in Head Start programs
  • Children in after-school programs

What's Provided

Up to 3 meals and 2 snacks per day, meeting nutrition standards. Cost is free or reduced based on family income.

Weekend Backpack Programs

Many schools and food banks provide backpacks filled with food for children to take home on weekends.

What's Included

  • Easy-to-prepare foods (cereal, pasta, canned goods)
  • Kid-friendly items
  • Enough food for weekend meals
  • Discreet packaging to protect children's dignity

Ask at your child's school about weekend food programs.

Holiday and Break Programs

Special programs during school breaks:

  • Spring Break Meals: Some communities offer meal programs during spring break
  • Holiday Food Boxes: Extra food during winter break and holidays
  • Summer Break Meals: Daily meals at parks and community sites

SNAP for Families with Children

Families with children often receive higher SNAP benefits and may qualify more easily.

Special Considerations

  • Higher benefit amounts for larger families
  • Deductions for child care expenses
  • Simplified reporting in some states
  • Children can receive benefits even if parents don't qualify

How to Access Children's Programs

  1. School: Start with your child's school - they can help with meal programs and connect you to resources
  2. Food Banks: Many have special programs for children (weekend backpacks, summer food, etc.)
  3. Local Health Department: Can help with WIC and other nutrition programs
  4. 211: Call for information on all children's nutrition programs in your area
  5. Churches and Community Centers: Often run after-school and summer meal programs

Find Family Food Assistance

Search for food banks and pantries that welcome families with children.

Find Food Banks