Students at 33 Houston ISD Campuses Will Lose Automatic Access to Free Meals in 2026-27 School Year

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…