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Free and Reduced Price Meals

Published July 19, 2012

With the start of the 2012-13 school year approaching, now is a good time to remind families about applying for free and reduced price meals.  Parents can submit an application ONLINE. The process is quick, easy and secure.

Once the application has been completed, parents will know immediately if they qualify to receive benefits. Parents can still choose to fill out the paper forms. These are available at the school's front office or on the WCS Food Service WEBSITE.


Basic facts about free and reduced price meals:

Do I need to fill out an application for each of my children?  No, you only need one application for all students in your household.

Who can get free meals? All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP or Families First 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.

Who can get reduced meals? Your children can get low cost meals if your household is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

Should I fill out an application if I get a letter this school year saying my children are approved for free or reduced-price meals? Read the letter carefully and follow the instructions, or call your local School Nutrition Program Director.

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 this school year. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year.

If I get WIC, can my children get free meals? Your children may be eligible for free or reduced price meals, but you will need to fill out an application.

Will the information you give be checked? Yes, and you may also be asked to send written proof.

If I do not qualify now, may I apply later? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. Children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.