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SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM
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SchoolFood is the largest school food service provider in the United States, providing meals to students in over 1600 locations including NYC public elementary, middle, special education, high schools, charter and some non-public schools. Programs include Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Supper, LYFE, Saturday and Holiday and Summer Meals. SchoolFood serves over 180,000 breakfasts to students daily, free of charge, and over 860,000 total meals each day.
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Q. Why should I complete the School Meals Application?
A. SchoolFood offers delicious and nutritious meals daily. Completed
applications allow students from eligible households to receive free or
reduced-price meals throughout the school year. For parents with busy
schedules, the School Breakfast Program provides a great option. Encourage your
children to take advantage of the benefits of eating breakfast —free
of charge— in school each day. Completed applications enable
many students to eat lunch for free or for 25¢. Students who do not return an
application or who are not income-eligible will pay $1.50. Be
sure to complete an application!
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Q. Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
A. No. You need to complete only one application per household for all
students attending the same school. If there are children in multiple
schools living in the household, an application must be filed in all schools. A
separate Application must be filed for each foster child since they are each
considered a household of one.
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Q. How do I know if my household is eligible for free or
reduced-price meals??
A. Parents or guardians should complete the School Meals Application sent home
at the beginning of each school year and return the form promptly to the
school. The school will send you a letter informing you of your eligibility
once it has been determined, based on the household size and gross income. Your
child is eligible for free meals if your household income falls within the free
limits of the Federal Income Guidelines. Children in households receiving Food
Stamps or TANF and most foster children are eligible for free meals regardless
of income. Each foster child must be listed on a separate application. |
Q. Should I return an application even if I am NOT eligible for
free or reduced-price meals?
A. Yes! The application is also used to determine the amount of State funding
our schools receive for supplies such as books, classroom furniture and other
resources. If you feel that you are not eligible for free or reduced-price
meals then check the box next to the statement “I do not wish to apply for free
or reduced-price meals” at the top of the form and return it to your
schools to help ensure adequate funding to your school! |
Q. If I don't have a Social Security number can I still
complete an application?
A. Yes. Complete the application and write the word NONE in the space
provided. |
Q. Will other government agencies see my completed application?
A. No. Completed applications are confidential. |
Q. What if my household receives Food Stamps, or Temporary
Assistance to Needy Families?
A. You should receive a Direct Certification letter, listing the names of
school age children in your household, from The New York State Office of
Temporary and Disability Assistance. When you take or mail this letter to each
child's school, those children will be eligible for free school meals. If you
do not receive a Direct Certification letter in the mail, you should complete
the School Meals Application and provide your Food Stamp or FDPIR/TANF case
number from the benefit letter. Your child will then be eligible for free
school meals. |
Q. If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later?
A. Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size
goes up, income goes down, or if you start getting Food Stamps, TANF or other
benefits. If you lose your job, your children may be able to get free or
reduced-price meals.
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