The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) provide nutritionally balanced meals to students in over 100,000 public and non-profit private schools and residential childcare programs across the country. Administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the NSLP/SBP allows students whose families meet certain income requirements to receive breakfast, lunch, and after-school snacks at a free or reduced price.
Healthy school meals play an essential role in helping students thrive in and out of the classroom. For example, students who participate in school breakfast show improved attendance, behavior, and academic performance, as well as decreased tardiness.* A school breakfast and lunch provide a minimum of USDA’s daily recommended dietary allowance for key nutrients (25% and over 30% respectively).
*Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). "Breakfast for Learning." Oct. 2016.
We recognize that with the current economy, the financial circumstances of many of our families may have changed. Accordingly, we encourage ALL families to apply for the Free and Reduced Price Breakfast and Lunch Program that our school district offers. The program is designed to ensure that students get the nutrition necessary to succeed in the classroom. If your financial hardship is short-term due to loss of a job or other circumstances, you may still take advantage of the program on a temporary basis.
Please feel free to submit an application, even if you are not sure you would use this service. Applying for the program has benefits for your child as well as our school system. These programs ensure that the students in our schools have the nutrition they need to succeed in the classroom whether they take advantage of the program for a day, a week, or a year. Additionally, these programs provide our school district with more than $1,000.00 per student enrolled in the programs! These invaluable funds can be used for the education of our students and to minimize the burden on local taxpayers.
Income eligibility guidelines are available online for each school year to help you determine eligibility based on your household size and income level. There are no restrictions based on immigration status. Visit the USDA site for details.
Families may apply at any time throughout the school year, and must renew their application each school year. Below are some useful links.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply
2024-2025 Household Letter
2024-2025 Meal Benefit Application
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact Sodexo at 401.710.7500.