Experts say changes in Republicans' tax-and-spending law are reducing automatic eligibility for free meals and making it harder for some districts to keep universal meal programs.
Free school meal access in the United States may narrow this academic year as changes tied to Republicans' tax-and-spending law, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," ripple through SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamp program). Food and public policy experts say the law's overhaul of SNAP has already pushed 4.5 million people, including 1.5 million children, off food stamps since enactment, citing an estimate from the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. That matters for schools because children in SNAP households are automatically eligible for free meals, and lower SNAP participation can also weaken school districts' ability to qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows high-poverty schools to serve free meals to all students without individual applications. A 2025 Urban Institute analysis found about 18.3 million students nationwide could lose access to free school meals. Miami-Dade County Public Schools has already said it will no longer provide free breakfast and lunch to all students because fewer schools qualify under the Community Eligibility Provision. About 121 schools will continue offering free meals, while lunches at other schools will cost $4.20 per child after a 30-day grace period. Advocates say families that lose automatic eligibility may still qualify through income-based applications, but paperwork can keep eligible children from receiving benefits. The pressure is building as groceries and food prices remain a leading household cost concern and some households increasingly rely on credit cards and buy now, pay later loans to cover food expenses. Diane Pratt-Heavner of the School Nutrition Association said access to nutritious school meals remains important because well-nourished students are better prepared to learn.