California's Department of Education has implemented income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price meals in child nutrition programs.
These guidelines state that each household has an income of $14,521 annually (+$5,148 for each additional family member) to be considered eligible for free meals, snacks, and milk and that each household has an income of $20,665 annually (+$7,326 for each additional family member) to be considered eligible for reduced-price meals and snacks.
These measures do not take into account large families that earn more than the specified incomes, but are not able to provide sufficient nutrition for their children on their own terms. By making these guidelines more specific to each household, more students will be able to fulfill a better balanced diet.