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SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM

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.


	Eligibility

All students are eligible for nutritious and delicious meals that are convenient and a bargain! BREAKFAST is AT NO CHARGE to all students and lunch costs $1.50. If you are receiving benefits such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, WIC or any other public assistance benefits, your child may be eligible for free meals. Children from households that meet Federal Income Guidelines are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

The School Meals Application is now a scannable form which is why it has been redesigned in a bright red color but the household information required has not changed. The application is to be completed using black or dark blue ink – and should not be photocopied. Households are encouraged to complete all required information to avoid delays in processing the form.

The Department of Education teamed up with ACCESS NYC early this year to develop the first ever Online School Meals Application . As of August 29, 2008 families can apply for school meals online for all their children attending any NYCDOE school from the privacy of their home without having to repeat the process for each school their children attend. The application will be sent electronically to the processing center and the eligibility will be uploaded into the school database.

Apply by Paper, Online, On Time!

Click here to view the School Meals Application (View Instructions)

Click here to view the 2008-09 Eligibility Guidelines

Click here to view Household Notification Letters

Click here to view the School Meals Scanning Process (PowerPoint)

Public Schools and USM Base Year Schools

Charter Schools

Non Public Schools

Click here to view the Instructions to Submit Applications for Scanning

Batch Cover Sheet (Word) Batch Cover Sheet Sample

FAQ's

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!

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.

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 qualify 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 your child's school, he or she 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 that is on the benefit letter that was sent to you. 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 or are temporarily disabled, your children may be able to get free or reduced-price meals.

Q. If I have a question about the status of my online application or if my child qualified for free meals, who should I call.
A. The SchoolFood Help Desk will be open to schools and households from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays to answer any questions related to the paper or online application. Please call (718) 707-4400 or send email to OSFCompliance@schools.nyc.gov for assistance.

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