NPR
As millions of kids lose SNAP food benefits, free school meals are also at risk
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Millions of children lost eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2024 after federal pandemic-era protections expired. School meal programs that use SNAP enrollment data to automatically qualify students for free breakfasts and lunches have reported declines in participation as families lost benefits. School districts reported decreased free meal enrollment following the SNAP changes. The connection between SNAP eligibility and automatic school meal qualification meant some students lost access to both programs simultaneously.
Original reporting: https://www.npr.org/2026/09/03/nx-s1-5954205/snap-food-free-school-lunch-usda