Millions of U.S. children could lose access to free school meals this fall as recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) begin affecting eligibility, experts warned.
According to a CBS News report published Thursday, changes to SNAP under the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a tax-and-spending law that overhauled parts of the federal food assistance program, could leave fewer children automatically eligible for free school meals while also reducing the number of schools that qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows high-poverty schools to provide free meals to all students.
The report cited estimates from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities that about 4.5 million people, including 1.5 million children, have lost SNAP benefits since the law was enacted, while an Urban Institute analysis estimated up to 18.3 million students could ultimately lose access to free school meals.
Katie Bergh, a SNAP expert at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said the changes could have broader consequences beyond food assistance.
“One of the things that we are very concerned about is the ripple effect. As kids lose access to SNAP, the next school year they may lose that automatic link to free school meals, even if they are still eligible,” Bergh said.
She added that families losing both SNAP benefits and free school meals could face difficult choices between buying groceries and paying for essentials such as rent, medication or utility bills.
Early Impact Emerges
The report highlighted Miami-Dade County Public Schools as one of the first districts affected by the changes. The district said it will no longer provide free breakfast and lunch to all students because fewer schools qualify under the Community Eligibility Provision. About 121 schools will continue offering free meals, while lunches at other schools will cost $4.20 per child after a 30-day grace period.
Costs Keep Climbing
The warning comes as families are already preparing for a more expensive school year. Earlier reports found U.S. families could spend nearly $4,000 per child during the 2026-27 school year as the costs of school supplies and packed lunches continue to rise. Affordability pressures extend beyond back-to-school shopping. A recent McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility survey found groceries and food prices remain Americans’ biggest household cost concern, while Urban Institute research showed many households are increasingly relying on credit cards and buy now, pay later loans to cover grocery expenses.
Congress is also considering broader food assistance proposals. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) has introduced the Fresh Bucks for Fresh Produce Act, which would establish a pilot program allowing participating states to provide eligible households with an additional $60 per month for fruits and vegetables if enacted.
Diane Pratt-Heavner, director of media relations for the School Nutrition Association, said some affected families may still qualify for free school meals through individual applications, but additional paperwork could prevent eligible children from receiving benefits.
“Our organization advocates for free meals for all, because so many children and families fall through the cracks of that application process,” Pratt-Heavner said.
She added that ensuring children have access to nutritious meals at school remains important because well-nourished students are better prepared to learn.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by a Benzinga editor.
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