The Mascenic Regional School District, including Highbridge Hill Elementary, Boynton Middle, and Mascenic Regional High Schools, has announced its eligibility policy for free or reduced-price meals and free milk for the 2026-2027 school year.
The program applies to students enrolled in participating district schools under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Special Milk Program. Eligibility is determined by federal income guidelines effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. For example, a household of four must have an annual income of $42,900 or less to qualify for free meals, or $61,050 or less for reduced-price meals.
Students whose households receive assistance through SNAP, FDPIR, or TANF are automatically eligible for free meals without requiring an application. Children designated as foster, homeless, migrant, runaway, or enrolled in eligible Head Start programs are also eligible.
Families may apply for benefits at any point during the school year, which is especially helpful for households experiencing mid-year unemployment or financial hardship. Only one application is required per household. Prior-year eligibility statuses will carry over for the first 30 operating days of the new school year or until a new determination is made.
Applications and submission instructions are available through each child’s respective school. Households with questions or those wishing to decline automatically approved benefits should contact their school directly.
