Known as the National School Lunch Program, this program is run by the United States Department of Agriculture at the federal level and state education agencies. Students may qualify based on participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or status as a homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster student. Otherwise, students qualify if their family income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level for free lunch or between 130% and 185% for reduced-price lunch. Historically, in Alabama, participation in the free or reduced lunch program required families to complete applications. In 2022, the ALSDE joined a pilot program through the USDA (the federal agency that runs the program) to provide free or reduced meals to more students based on their enrollment in Medicaid and other assistance programs. (Source: https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/NSLPFactSheet.pdf , Source: https://www.alabamaachieves.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/StateSuperIn_Memos_2022628_FY223035NewDirectCertificationMedicaidPowerSchoolLunchCodes_V1.0.pdf)
