DELAWARE - The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's policy for free and reduced-price meals for children who cannot pay the full price will continue in Delaware schools in the 2026-2027 school year, according to the Delaware Department of Education.
Education officials say Delaware schools will continue to operate the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and After School Snack Program (ASSP), and will be collecting free or reduced-price meal eligibility applications, unless the school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision.
Officials say meal benefit forms will be sent home in a letter to families. They say the information given on the forms will only be using to determine eligibility and may be verified at any time during the year. Information on the form is not allowed to be used for any other purposes unless consent is granted by a parent/guardian.
Children enrolled in Head Start or children who are homeless, migrant, runaway, or in foster care are eligible for free meals.
These forms can be submitted at any time during the school year to start receiving free or reduced-price meals.
The school nutrition services supervisor will review the forms and determine eligibility. Households unhappy with the decision can discuss with the supervisor on an informal basis, or may a request to the administrative office for a hearing on the decision.
