National School Lunch Program

In Rhode Island, the National School Lunch Program provides nutritious, low-cost or free lunches to an average of about 50,000 children daily. Schools that take part in the lunch program get cash subsidies and donated commodities from USDA. Program participants include public school districts, private schools, special needs citizen centers, residential child care institutions, and state schools. All public schools in Rhode Island are mandated by state law to provide lunches.

Children from families with income at or below 130 percent of poverty level are eligible for free meals. Children between 130 percent and 185 percent of poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals. Children from families over 185 percent of poverty pay a regular price for their subsidized meal. Over 60 percent of the lunches served in Rhode Island are served free or at the reduced price.