Fewer New Hampshire families eligible for free, reduced school lunches
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. —
Fewer families may be eligible for free and reduced-priced lunches this school year because of changes made to SNAP benefits.
The changes stem from the passing of the reconciliation measure known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025.
Last year, the bill contained many changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and those reductions are having a ripple effect into the classroom.
“SNAP is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger,” said Laura Milliken of NH Hunger Solutions. “It’s a federal nutrition program.”
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The reconciliation bill changes the work requirements for SNAP eligibility and took benefits away completely from noncitizens.
“There are so many ripple effects of the changes that took effect last July that are resulting in higher levels of food insecurity across the state,” Milliken said.
The changes are believed to be behind the declining number of people receiving federal food assistance in New Hampshire. According to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, from June 2025 to June 2026, more than 2,500 people left the SNAP program. In that same period, just under 2,000 children stopped receiving the federal benefits.
Families using SNAP benefits were automatically enrolled in the federal free and reduced-price lunch program at schools, which offers free or discounted meals for students depending on their parents’ income level. Families participating in the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program are also eligible for the lunch program.
With fewer people now eligible for federal SNAP benefits, fewer children are now eligible for free meals at school.
“We worry about children not being able to concentrate in school, not being able to learn, because the outcomes for kids who are food insecure from a health perspective, behavior and academic perspective are not good,” Milliken said.
Another change in the bill requires families to enroll in the free lunch program in their district. Families won’t be automatically enrolled.
