1. Is an application needed for every child in the household?
    2. When do meal benefits start?
    3. Where should I turn in the applications?
    4. What if a family is wondering about the status of an application they turned in?
    5. Can foster children get free meals?
    6. Can homeless, runaway, and migrant children get free meals?
    7. How are families notified?
    8. How do I get the application in other languages?


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    Do students need to fill out an application every year?

     Yes. Applications are only good for that school year and for the first few days of the next school year.

     





    Is an application needed for every child in the household?

    No. Only one application is needed per family. Be sure to include the names of all family members.

     





    When do meal benefits start?

    Once an application has been received by the Food & Nutrition office, it must be processed within 10 days. Often it only takes 1-2 days to process an application. Until an application has been processed and approved, the family is responsible to pay for all meals.

     





    Where should I turn in the applications?

    Please direct families to turn the applications into the school kitchen.

     





    What if a family is wondering about the status of an application they turned in?

    We process applications as quickly as possible. If a family has a question about whether we have received their application, have them start with the school kitchen. The kitchen manager can look to see if the application has been processed, or is incomplete.

     

    Who can get free meals?

     All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or TANF can get free meals regardless of income. Also, children can receive free meals if the household’s gross income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

     





    Can foster children get free meals?

    Yes. Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are eligible for free meals. Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income. Connect with Angelica Glaser, foster student liaison or our office with questions.

     





    Can homeless, runaway, and migrant children get free meals?

    Yes. Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant qualify for free meals. Connect with Amy Perusse, homeless liaison or our office with questions.

     

    Who should be included as a member of the household on the application?

     You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends) who share income and expenses. You must include yourself and all children living with you. If you live with other people who are economically independent (for example, people who do not support, who do not share income with you or your children, and who pay a pro-rated share of expenses), do not include them.

    How do I get a letter for a family verifying they qualify for meal benefits?

     Contact the Food & Nutrition office and we would be happy to send one. We do need approval from the parent or student if we are going to send it to you.

     





    How are families notified?

    Families that are approved for meal benefits will receive a phone call and/or e-mail through the blackboard connect system

    Families that are denied for meal benefits will receive a phone call and/ or e-mail through the blackboard connect system and will also be mailed a letter to the address on file.

     





    How do I get the application in other languages?

    The free/reduced application is available in 49 other languages. To access the link to these applications, visit the Food & Nutrition page on the website or the online menu.

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