State Department of Education releases new lunch payment guidelines

Families across Mississippi who may need help paying for school meals can now apply for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch benefits.

The Mississippi Department of Education says the program covers meals served through the national school lunch and school breakfast programs as well as eligible after-school snack programs.

Applications are available during school registration, through participating schools’ online portals, or at school administrative offices.

Households receiving SNAP, TANF, or certain other assistance programs may qualify automatically while other families can apply by reporting their household income.