Children need healthy meals to learn. Your child’s school offers healthy meals every school day. Children from households that meet Federal income guidelines are eligible for the National School Breakfast & Lunch Program. You may apply for Free/Reduced meals at any time during the school year. Applications are available in English and Spanish at your child’s school and online.
Why Should My Household Apply? My Student(s) Choose(s) Not to Participate in the School Meals Program.
We strongly encourage all households that may qualify for free or reduced priced meals to apply regardless of your intent to use the benefit. Our schools may benefit from increased financial assistance, for educational programs, based on the percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced meals. Your households’ eligibility status will be kept confidential.
Do I Need to Fill Out an Application for Each Child?
No. You can use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to one of your children’s school. If you need assistance, please contact the Food Services Department at (509) 925-8217.
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, or States Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, your children can get free meals if your 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. The benefit is not extended to non-foster children in the household. Non-foster children may still qualify, based on household eligibility.
Can Homeless, Runaway, and Migrant Children Get Free Meals?
Yes, children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant qualify for free meals. If you haven’t been told your children will get free meals, please call or email your child’s school to see if they qualify or contact the Food Services Department at (509) 925-8217.
Who Can Get Reduced Price Meals?
Your children can get low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Eligibility Income Chart, shown on the application.
Should I Fill Out an Application if I Received a Letter This School Year Saying My Children are Approved for Free Meals?
Please carefully read the letter you received and follow the instructions. Call the Food Services Department at (509) 925-8217 if you have questions.
My Child’s Application Was Approved Last Year. Do I Need to Fill Out Another One?
Yes. Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first few days of the current school year. You must send in a new application, unless you received a letter from the Food Services Department stating that your child is eligible for the new school year.
I Get WIC, Can My Child(ren) Get Free Meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please fill out an application.
Will the Information I Give Be Checked?
Yes, and we may ask you to send written proof. Applications are randomly selected for verification. Households that do not respond to the verification request, within the allotted time, will lose benefits until verification can be completed. You will be notified by mail if selected for verification.
If I Don’t Qualify Now, May I Apply Later?
Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free or reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.
What if I Disagree With the School’s Decision About My Application?
You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing to have the decision reviewed.
May I Apply if Someone in My Household is Not a U.S. Citizen?
Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for free or reduced price meals. Household information will NOT be used for immigration-related purposes.
Who Should I Include as Members of My Household?
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 you 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.
What if My Income is Not Always the Same?
List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1,000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you make $1,000 per month. If you normally get overtime pay, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.
My Family Needs More Help. Are There Other Programs We Might Apply For?
To find out how to apply for other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office.
Return completed applications to your child's school office or to the Nutrition Service Office. You may also mail your application to:
Ellensburg School District
Food Services
1300 East Third Avenue
Ellensburg, WA 98926
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