Families across Wisconsin can now earn a bit more money and continue to qualify for free or reduced price school lunches.

The state’s Department of Public Instruction on Monday released the updated income guidelines for the new school year.

“A household of four, with income of $41,795 per year or less, qualifies for free school meals,” DPI announced. “If a household’s yearly income is between $41,795.01 and $59,478, children can receive reduced-price meals.”

The $41,795 is 3% higher than last year’s $40,560. It’s the same 3% increase for the upper threshold for reduced price lunches as well.

The Census Bureau says the median income in Wisconsin is just under $71,000.

Free and reduced price lunches are available at both school and some daycare centers across the state.

DPI tracks free and reduced price lunch enrollment at the school and district level, making it hard to find an exact number of kids who are eligible. But estimates state that nearly 40% of kids in Wisconsin are covered by a free or reduced program.

The program, according to DPI however, is worth more than $350 million each year.

Both Gov. Tony Evers and State Superintendent last year proposed making all school lunches free.

“When we make sure all our kids are properly nourished, we are nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. My budget proposal makes sure that every kid, no matter their background, has access to the nutrition they need to succeed at no cost,” Superintendent Jill Underly said back in October.

At that time, Underly said making school lunches free for everyone would cost an additional $311 million.

Republicans lawmakers in Madison, however, cut both Underly and Gov. Evers’ calls for free lunch out of the state budget.

This article was originally published with The MacIver Institute.