Mid-East Community Action Agency has announced its participation in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program for the 2026-27 program year.

The program provides meals at no separate charge to eligible children and adults participating at qualifying facilities.

Locally, the program is offered at Fairmont Head Start Center, 130 Fairmont Ave., Harriman, and Harrison Hills Head Start Center, 4384 Harrison Road, Lenoir City.


Eligibility is based on household income and size under U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines effective July 1 through June 30, 2027.

Under the guidelines, a family of four may qualify for free meals with an annual household income of up to $42,606, or $3,551 per month. A four-person household with annual income of up to $60,588, or $5,049 per month, falls within the reduced-price meal guidelines.

For a household of two, the annual income limits are $28,136 for free meals and $40,034 for reduced-price meals. For a household of six, the limits are $57,068 for free meals and $81,055 for reduced-price meals.

Income limits increase with household size. For households with more than eight members, the annual income limit increases by $7,384 for each additional family member for free meals and $10,508 for reduced-price meals.

Mid-East Community Action Agency said meals are provided without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Income eligibility guidelines: USDA income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price meals are based on household size and annual income. • One person: free, $20,345; reduced-price, $28,953. • Two people: free, $28,136; reduced-price, $40,034. • Three people: free, $35,222; reduced-price, $50,542. • Four people: free, $42,606; reduced-price, $60,588. • Five people: free, $50,284; reduced-price, $71,555. • Six people: free, $57,068; reduced-price, $81,055. • Seven people: free, $65,052; reduced-price, $92,574. • Eight people: free, $72,436; reduced-price, $103,082. • Each additional household member: add $7,384 for free meals and $10,508 for reduced-price meals.