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Public schools offer free breakfast and lunch to all students every school day.

You can get information about school food and how to apply for free school meals.

You can get information about school food, including:

  • Menus and monthly meal schedules
  • Nutritional standards for meals and vending machine items
  • Food safety practices
  • Allergy policies
  • Other food programs and initiatives for students

Learn more about school food and nutrition.

You can also send an email to SFWebsitesuggestion@schools.nyc.gov for more information.

New Nutrition Standards

Schools are working to make meals and vending machine items healthier by:

  • Reducing fat and sodium
  • Increasing whole wheat, fish, and plant-based proteins
  • Increasing fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables

These standards also apply to snacks and drinks sold in vending machines.

After-School Programs

Snacks are available if you are participating in instructional after-school programs.

You can apply for free school meals online or submit an application to your child’s school.

Online

Apply for free school lunches.

In Person

Fill out one application for each school that children in your family attend and return it directly to the school.

How to Get an Application

All schools send the application for free lunch to parents at the beginning of each school year. 

You can get an extra copy by contacting the school's general office.

Further Assistance

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) if you need more help.