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Meal Application

Free and Reduced Price Meals are available to families. We encourage anyone interested in meals benefits to apply. A number of parents may think they don't qualify when they actually do. Because of this, we welcome all applications. To apply, please complete a "Free and Reduced Meal Price Application Form." We encourage applications to be completed online by creating a SchoolCafe account. 

Once the applications have been processed, you will be notified by mail of your child's status. Until notification you must provide your child with a lunch or lunch money.

Only complete one application per family. The information you give will be used to determine or prove your child's eligibility for free or reduced-priced meals. This information may also be used for other state or federally funded school benefits.

Factors considered in the application process are household size and total household income. HOUSEHOLD SIZE is considered all persons, related or unrelated: Including parents, children, grandparents who live in your home and share living expenses. The TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME is the income each household member received last month before taxes - this includes wages, social security, pension, unemployment, welfare, child support, alimony, and any other cash income.

Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits. An application is not needed yet there does need to be documentation of status by a state or local entity familiar with the child's status. Foster children residing in a household with other children may be included in the household application as part of the household size.

 

CEP Media Release 
Income Eligibility Guidelines

 

STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

School Cafe App Instructions (English)

School Cafe App Instructions (Spanish)

School Cafe Webpage Instructions (English)

School Cafe Webpage Instructions (Spanish)

FAQ

What measures can I take to expedite my applications approval?

  • Submitting your application online typically speeds up the process, allowing for quicker review and response times: School Cafe
  • SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED
  • Use BLACK or BLUE ink
  • Print Clearly
  • Use your student’s name as it appears on their Birth Certificate
  • List all Other Household Members
  • Fill in the last 4 digits of the Social Security Number for the signer or write “NONE”
  • Foster Child may be completed on separate form, however, a regulation now states that Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size.

Do I need to fill out an application for each child?

  • No. Complete one 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 the Food Services Office, the School Office or the School Cafeteria Manager.

Who can receive free meals?

There are several ways that your children may be eligible for meals free of charge:

 

  1. Your child can get free meals if your household income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines.

  2. Another way is through “categorical eligibility”. If one member of your household is currently receiving assistance (benefits) from one of the following Programs: :SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, all children in the household are eligible for free meals. (Remember, a household is defined as “…a group of related or non-related individuals, who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, but who are living as one economic unit.”

  3. Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits. Please contact the District Foster Liaison for a list of documentation needed at homelessfoster@midlandisd.net or call 432-240-1520. An application is not needed yet there does need to be documentation of status by a state or local entity familiar with the child's status. However, a change in the regulations states that Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size.

Have the eligibility guidelines changed from last school year?

Yes the eligibility guidelines have changed from last year and you do need to fill out a new application if you feel you still qualify for the meal benefits.

Can homeless, runaway and migrant children get free meals?

Yes. Other categorically eligible children are those who meet the definition of “migrant, homeless, or runaway”, or who are enrolled in a federally-funded Head Start Center. If you are a homeless, runaway or migrant child, please contact the Food & Nutrition office for assistance in completing an application. If you have a homeless, migrant or runaway child, contact the district Homeless Liaison for documentation at 432-240-1520 or email homelessfoster@midlandisd.net. You may also speak to the counselor at your student's campus.

I got a letter saying my children are approved for free meals for this school year. Should I fill out an application?

  • If you received a letter for the current school year, then no, you do not have to fill out a new application. (Just make sure that all of your children are listed on the letter as being eligible to receive free meals.) 

  • All applications MUST be renewed every new school year. Please carefully read the letter you received and follow the instructions. Call the Food & Nutrition Dept. if you have questions.

Who can receive Reduced Price meals?

Your child can receive low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Eligibility Guidelines. Please fill out an application.

I receive WIC (Women, Infants and Children) benefits. Can my child get free meals?

Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for reduced price or free meals. Please fill out an application.

Will the information I give be checked?

Yes, we may ask you to send written proof of the information you give.

If I don't qualify now, may I apply later?

Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year.

What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application?

You should talk to a school official. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to Food & Nutrition Department or School District Business Department. 

May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?

You or your child do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify your child to receive reduced price or free meals.

Who should I include as members of my household?

Include yourself, all children who live with you and all other people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends).

What if my income is not always the same?

Normally you will list the amount that you normally receive BEFORE deductions. For example, if you normally receive $1,000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1,000 per month. If you are normally paid for overtime, include it. Please contact the Food & Nutrition Department for further instructions. Normally you will list the amount that you normally receive BEFORE deductions (432-240-1840).

Are applications available in other languages?

Applications are available in English and Spanish. Applications may also be available in other languages.

Why is it necessary to use the same name as it appears on the Birth Certificate?

Since the School District uses the birth date and name information from the Birth Certificate for all school records. The only way the application can be validated is by using the same information. Nicknames and family abbreviations will slow down the application process.

Why do you list All Other Household Members?

The consideration for approval of an application is based on income and the number of household members. Therefore, it is required to list all members of the household.

Do I have to apply online?

 

No. Submitting your application online typically speeds up the process, however printed applications are available at your school office or at the Child Nutrition Services Office.