(WHTM) – New eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals in Pennsylvania have been released for the 2024-2025 school year.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released federal guidelines regarding income eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals and free milk for the July 2024 – June 2025 school year.

The USDA has expanded guidelines to help students and their families increase their chances of participating in programs such as the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program for Children, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program.

The following annual income eligibility guidelines will apply effective July 1, 2024, until further notice:

To apply, households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits only need to provide case numbers on their application. Households enrolled in Medicaid or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals based on income. They should also complete an Application for Household Meal Benefits.

Other households can find more information on the Commonwealth COMPASS website.

“The Shapiro administration has demonstrated its commitment to addressing food insecurity by providing free breakfast for all to public school students and expanding access to nutritious meals throughout the day through the free and reduced-price program,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “We know students need food to focus, learn and achieve, and we encourage all previously and newly eligible households to apply for this incredible program.”