Madrid Community Opens Application Period for 2026/27 School Lunch Grants
Madrid, April 29, 2026 – The Community of Madrid has officially opened the application period for school lunch grants for the upcoming 2026/27 academic year. The regional government has earmarked a substantial 75.4 million euros for these grants, aiming to support a record number of students. Following the publication of the call in the Official Gazette (BOCM), interested families have until May 28th to submit their documentation.
Applications can be processed through various channels, including the institutional portal, the Digital Account, official registries, and directly at publicly funded schools. This multi-channel approach is designed to ensure accessibility and convenience for all eligible families.
Record Number of Beneficiaries in Current Academic Year
The school lunch grant program has seen significant growth, with the current academic year (2025/26) benefiting a record 146,000 students. This represents an increase of nearly 20,000 beneficiaries compared to the previous year, underscoring the increasing demand and the program’s vital role in supporting families across the region.
Streamlined Application Process for Efficiency
To facilitate and expedite the application process, applicants must provide express permission for the regional administration to verify all required information. Additionally, any necessary supporting documents for specific cases must be included. The application form must be signed by all adults listed on it.
Beneficiaries from the current academic year (2025/26) have the option to renew their grants for the upcoming year, provided they reapply and continue to meet the established eligibility criteria. This renewal process requires a sworn declaration confirming the continued fulfillment of these conditions.
Digital Account Enhancements for Faster Processing
Families opting to submit their applications via the Digital Account will benefit from several new improvements designed to further streamline the process. A new intelligent form adapts to each individual case, requesting only the documentation pertinent to their personal situation. The Digital Account also incorporates automatic controls to prevent common errors, such as incorrect formats or non-compliance with requirements. Furthermore, electronic signature functionality, including third-party signatures via SMS, has been integrated, eliminating the need for in-person visits and enabling a fully online application process.
Eligibility Criteria for School Lunch Grants
These school lunch grants are available to students enrolled in Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, and Compulsory Secondary Education at publicly funded centers. The primary eligibility criterion is a per capita family income not exceeding 8,400 euros annually.
The grants also extend to several other vulnerable groups, including:
- Recipients of the Minimum Insertion Income (RMI) or the Minimum Vital Income (IMV), who, for the second consecutive year, will receive full assistance and will not be required to pay for school lunch services in public schools.
- Victims of gender-based violence or terrorism.
- Students in foster care or residential care.
- Beneficiaries of international protection.
- Children affected by the war in Ukraine.
- Students officially enrolled in publicly funded centers who utilize school transport.
Additionally, members of the Armed Forces and State Security Forces and Corps stationed in the Community of Madrid, with children enrolled in publicly funded educational centers, are also eligible. Large families with a per capita family income between 8,400 and 10,000 euros will receive aid equivalent to 30% of the cost of the school lunch service.
This comprehensive grant program reflects the Community of Madrid’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals, thereby promoting their well-being and academic success.
