The national average of public school students eligible for free lunch is approximately 50% (2025-26).
The state with highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch is Virgin Islands with 99%. The state with lowest average of public school students eligible for free lunch is New Hampshire with 20%.
Free Lunch Range: 20%
99%
Avg. Free Lunch: 50%
Average Percent of Public School Students Eligible For Free Lunch (2025-26)
State
Percent of Students Eligible For Free Lunch
Schools With Largest Percent of Students Eligible for Free Lunch
Rank: #11.
99%
Rank: #22.
85%
Rank: #33.
80%
Rank: #44.
74%
Rank: #5-65-6.
68%
Rank: #5-65-6.
68%
Rank: #77.
67%
Rank: #88.
60%
Rank: #99.
59%
Rank: #10-1110-11.
57%
Rank: #10-1110-11.
57%
Rank: #12-1412-14.
56%
Rank: #12-1412-14.
56%
Rank: #12-1412-14.
56%
Rank: #1515.
55%
Rank: #16-1716-17.
54%
Rank: #16-1716-17.
54%
Rank: #1818.
51%
Rank: #19-2019-20.
50%
Rank: #19-2019-20.
50%
Rank: #21-2221-22.
49%
Rank: #21-2221-22.
49%
Rank: #2323.
48%
Rank: #2424.
47%
Rank: #2525.
45%
Rank: #2626.
44%
Rank: #27-2827-28.
43%
Rank: #27-2827-28.
43%
Rank: #29-3229-32.
42%
Rank: #29-3229-32.
42%
Rank: #29-3229-32.
42%
Rank: #29-3229-32.
42%
Rank: #3333.
40%
Rank: #34-3534-35.
39%
Rank: #34-3534-35.
39%
Rank: #36-3736-37.
38%
Rank: #36-3736-37.
38%
Rank: #38-4138-41.
37%
Rank: #38-4138-41.
37%
Rank: #38-4138-41.
37%
Rank: #38-4138-41.
37%
Rank: #42-4342-43.
36%
Rank: #42-4342-43.
36%
Rank: #4444.
35%
Rank: #45-4645-46.
33%
Rank: #45-4645-46.
33%
Rank: #4747.
32%
Rank: #4848.
31%
Rank: #4949.
28%
Rank: #50-5150-51.
26%
Rank: #50-5150-51.
26%
Rank: #5252.
24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national average of public school students eligible for free lunch?
The national average of public school students eligible for free lunch is 50% for 2025-26.
What are schools with the highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch in the United States?
The schools with the highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch in the United States include Palolo Elementary School, Abelardo Diaz Alfaro and Winooski High School.
What is the state with the highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch?
The state with the highest average of public school students eligible for free lunch is Virgin Islands.
Recent Articles

Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.

Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.

NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here鈥檚 what parents and educators need to know.