The National School Lunch Program actually encompasses five different programs: School Lunch, School Breakfast, Summer Food Service, Child and Adult Care, and Special Milk. These programs provide a wide range of options for children who wouldn't be able to afford food while at school.
The income requirements for the School Lunch Program are based on the Federal Income Poverty guidelines. Families who earn less than 1.30 times the poverty limit annually qualify for free lunch. Families who earn less than 1.85 times the poverty limit qualify for reduced-price lunch.
School lunches must meet federal nutritional guidelines. No more than 30 percent of the calories in a meal can come from fat; saturated fat must make up less than 10 percent of the calories. School lunches must also provide one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance of specific vitamins and nutrients.