Source link : https://houston365.info/2026/06/03/students-at-33-houston-isd-campuses-will-lose-automatic-access-to-free-meals-in-2026-27-school-year/
Houston ISD to End Automatic Free Meal Eligibility at 33 Campuses Starting 2026-27
Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, students attending 33 specific campuses within the Houston Independent School District will no longer receive free meals automatically based on their school’s previous status. This policy revision represents a major change in how the district administers its meal programs, shifting from a campus-wide qualification model to one that evaluates each student’s eligibility individually. Parents and guardians will be required to submit applications to determine qualification for free or reduced-price meals, a move district leaders say is designed to better target assistance to those most in need.
The schools impacted include a combination of elementary, middle, and high schools that had previously benefited from universal meal provisions. District officials cite several reasons behind this adjustment:
- Updated federal regulations that limit blanket eligibility for free meals
- More precise socioeconomic data reflecting changes in community income levels
- Focus on equitable distribution of limited funding to maximize impact
To ease the transition, Houston ISD plans to offer informational workshops and provide assistance with the application process throughout the next school year.
| School Level | Number of Campuses Affected |
|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | 20 |
| Middle Schools | 8 |
| High Schools | 5 |