Orange Beach City Schools Announces Reduced-Price Meal Changes for 2026-2027

Orange Beach City Schools has announced significant reductions to the cost of reduced-price meals for eligible students during the 2026-2027 school year, according to a district news release.

Under the new plan, the cost of a reduced-price breakfast will drop from $1.75 to just 30 cents, while reduced-price lunch will fall from $3.50 to 40 cents for qualifying students at any Orange Beach city school.

Who qualifies

Several categories of students are automatically eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the district’s plan. All children in households receiving benefits from Alabama SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) or TANF qualify for free meals. Children in households receiving Medicaid benefits are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Foster children under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, children enrolled in the district’s Head Start program, and children who are homeless, runaways or migrants also qualify, as do children who are directly certified through the state. Children in households participating in WIC may also be eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Parents and guardians who believe their child may be eligible can apply online at myschoolapps.com ahead of the new school year.

The federal free and reduced-price meal program is administered locally by school districts under guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which establishes income and categorical eligibility thresholds each year for families nationwide.