We keep student/family Free and Reduced Meal Program, eligibility confidential. We will not discuss student eligibility with anyone except students, parents, guardians and cafeteria managers.

Yes. Families must apply every year to determine their eligibility in the Free and Reduced Meal Program program. Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines change every year, and it is likely that most household situations change each year. To avoid interruption in meal benefits while new applications are processed, student eligibility is carried over temporarily from the previous school year until the new application can be processed in September of the new school year. Once the new application is processed, the eligibility that is determined will be in effect. Carryover applications not renewed will be terminated at the end of September and all benefits will cease.

Students or families may apply at any time during the school year.

No. All families/households are not required to fill out the application. Only families/households who need assistance and fall within the federal Income Eligibility Guidelines should apply. Applications are automatically sent home with every student on the first day of school. Guidelines are printed on the front of the application to help parents/guardians determine if they might qualify for the program.

Applications are evaluated solely on the number of household members and gross income – no other circumstances can be considered. If you believe your gross income (amount before deductions) is at or less than the maximum income limits for your household size that is listed in the Income Eligibility Guidelines, you should contact the Food and Nutrition Service Office to be certain that you have completed your application correctly.

Yes. Families whose household situations change may reapply at any time during the school year.

Eligibility notices should be kept for the entire school year in order to apply for additional benefits. Call the Food and Nutrition Service Office at 334-793-1397 to request a copy.

Yes, and you may be asked to send written proof by the Child Nutrition Program department.

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 who are living with you. If you live with other people who are economically independent, do not include them.

List the amount that you normally receive. If you normally get overtime, include it. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.

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.

Yes, children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant qualify for free meals. Check with your school for more information and to see if your children qualify.

Children in households participating in the federal Women, Infants and Children program may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, but you will need to fill out an application.

Yes. You or your child do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

If you get an off-base housing allowance, it must be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income.

No, if your spouse is receiving combat pay because they are deployed in addition to their basic pay and this combat pay was not received before the deployment, it is not counted as income.

You can contact the Director of the Child Nutrition Program at 334-793-1397.