Schools help families access free, reduced-price meals

WOOD COUNTY – Wood County families struggling to make ends meet can find relief through school meal programs designed to ensure no child goes hungry during the school day.

School districts across the county are reminding parents about income guidelines that can provide free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for students who qualify under federal nutrition programs for the 2025-26 school year.

The assistance comes as new research shows the scope of financial hardship facing Wisconsin families. According to a 2025 report from United For ALICE, 35% of Wisconsin households faced financial instability in 2023, earning too little to afford basic living costs despite often having jobs.

These households are "ALICE" — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — meaning they earn above the federal poverty level but struggle to cover housing, childcare, food, transportation and healthcare costs.

"Households below the threshold are forced to make impossible choices — like deciding whether to pay for utilities or a car repair, whether to buy food or fill a prescription," the ALICE report states.

The school meal programs offer a safety net with income eligibility guidelines that include:

• Family of four: Free meals for annual income up to $41,795; reduced-price meals for income up to $59,478
• Single-parent households: Free meals for annual income up to $20,345; reduced-price meals for income up to $28,953
• Families of two: Free meals for annual income up to $27,495; reduced-price meals for income up to $39,128
• For each additional household member beyond eight people, add $7,150 for free meal eligibility and $10,175 for reduced-price eligibility

Those income thresholds are particularly important given that Wisconsin's basic household survival budget reached $77,112 annually for a family of four in 2023 — more than double the federal poverty level of $30,000, according to the ALICE research.

The application process aims to help busy families. Those already receiving FoodShare, Wisconsin Works cash benefits or Food Distribution Program assistance need only provide their case numbers and children's names.

For other families, the application requires basic household information including family size, income sources and contact details. Applications can be submitted at any time during the school year, and families experiencing job loss or other changes can reapply if circumstances change.

Children in foster care automatically qualify for free meals without paperwork, and families can include foster children on the same applications as their other children.

The ALICE report shows why these programs matter locally. Many Wisconsin workers in common occupations — including 39% of personal care aides, 37% of fast food workers and 35% of cashiers — live in households below the financial stability threshold despite working.

Single-parent families face particular challenges, with 66% of single-female-headed households and 43% of single-male-headed households falling below the threshold statewide.

Federal law protects family privacy by keeping application information confidential, limiting access to education officials who directly oversee meal programs.

Districts must provide application materials in languages other than English when needed and offer communication alternatives for families with disabilities.

Parents with questions about the process or who need help with applications can contact their individual school offices.

The programs operate under federal guidelines designed to ensure eligible children receive proper nutrition to support learning throughout the school day.