Back to School...Completing the Free and Reduced Meal Forms

This week is the end of summer and children are headed back to school.  Many important papers are sent home the first week of school.  Take special notice of the Free and Reduced Meal forms as they can help children who qualify receive free or reduced price meals at school.  Here are a few common questions and answers about Free and Reduced meals.

Q:  How do I know if my children qualify?
A:  If your family is receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, your child qualifies for free school meals.  Please contact your school to determine if you need to fill out an application. 

 Your children may also qualify for free and reduced meals:

• If you are eligible for unemployment compensation.
• If you are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). 
• If you participate in WIC.
• If your earnings are at or below the current Income Eligibility Guidelines 

Q:  What do I need to do to apply?
A:  To determine eligibility, complete a school meal application.  The school will process your application and let you know if you are eligible.

Q:  If my child qualified last year, do I need to apply again?
A:  Yes.  Those families who received free and reduced meals last year still need to complete a new form for this school year.

Q:  When do I need to submit the forms?
A:  Schools send free and reduced meal applications home at the beginning of each school year.  It is better to apply early, but you may apply at any time during the school year.  So, if your family income level should change during the school year, ask for an application from your school.

Have a great school year!

Free and Reduced Price School Meals

Expenses for having children in school can sure add up.  One great way to save money is to apply for Free and Reduced Price School Meals each year.  If your income makes you eligible for this program, your child will be able to eat schools meals for free or at a reduce price.

School lunches are offered through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which provides nutritionally-balanced, healthy lunches for free at a low cost.

At the beginning of each school year, schools send home a form for each family to fill out for the Free and Reduced Price Meal Program.  It doesn't ask for much information.  You will be asked to give the names of all members of your household; the total household income; and the last four digits of the Social Security Number of the adult household member who signs the application.

No one will be able to tell if your child is getting a free meal.  Each school has a system in place that prevents anyone from knowing who is getting a free or reduced meal.


Did you know?

• If you receive Food Nutrition Assistance (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps),  your child is automatically eligible to receive free meals.
• If you are unemployed, your children might also be eligible.
• You can apply for free and reduce meals at any time during the school year.  If your income drops, you might become eligible.  Call your school if your income changes and ask to fill out a new form.
• If you need help filling out the form, you should just call the school and ask.  They will have people who can help you.

For more information:

Applying for Free and Reduced Price School Meals 

Income Eligibility Guidelines:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/notices/iegs/iegs.htm