Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2026–27


On April 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the annual adjustment to the Income Eligibility Guidelines to be used in determining eligibility for free and reduced-price meals for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The Income Eligibility Guidelines for School Year (SY) 2026–27 have been posted and are currently available on the California Department of Education Income Eligibility Scales for SY 2026–27.

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this Listserv, please contact your School Nutrition Programs (SNP) or Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) County Specialist. The SNP County Specialist list is available in the Download Forms section of the Child Nutrition Information and Payment System (CNIPS), Form ID Caseload. The SFSP County Specialist list is available in the Download Forms section of CNIPS, Form ID SFSP 01.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Friday, April 24, 2026
Related Content
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Webinar: Tuesdays @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall (added 15-May-2026)
    School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors on May 26, 2026.
  • Expanded Capital Expenditure Approved List (added 12-May-2026)
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the California Department of Education’s (CDE) request to expand the Capital Expenditure Approved List. This expansion contains equipment commonly purchased by School Food Authorities (SFAs).
  • USDA Farm to School Grant Informational Webinars (added 12-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.
  • Updated Resources Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (added 06-May-2026)
    Updated Resources Due to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.
  • USDA Grants to Support Farm to School (added 06-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.