Free & Reduced Price School Meal Application

Free and Reduced Price School Meal Application Questions and Answers for Parents

Children need to eat healthy meals to learn.  If the school your child attends participates in the School Nutrition Programs (School Lunch, School Breakfast, or Afterschool Snack), your child may qualify for free meals or reduced-priced meals.  To learn more about the requirements for schools participating in the School Nutrition Programs, click here:  Guide to Understanding School Meals  

To apply for free or reduced-price meals, visit www.opi.mt.gov/schoolfood/index.html, click on "Forms and Guidance" and look in the "Free and Reduced Price School Meals" section for the "Application."

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

• Who can get free or reduced-price meals?  Children in households getting Food Stamps, TANF, or FDPIR, and most foster children can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, if your household income is within the limits on the Federal Income Chart, your children can get free or reduced-price meals.
• Will my children be treated differently if they receive free or reduced-price meals? No.  Your children will not be identified or treated differently from those who pay full price for meals.  The information you provide on the application is confidential.  If you are concerned, ask your school how they protect you and your child’s confidentiality.
• Will the information I give be checked? Yes.  The school may ask you to send written evidence, such as check stubs or income tax documentation to verify your income.  They are required by law to verify the accuracy of their applications.  Remember, all information you turn in is confidential.
• Who should I include as members of my household?  If you are applying on the basis of income, you must include all adults and children in your household, related or not (including grandparents, friends, and extended family).  However, if you are applying on the basis of Food Stamps, FAIM, FDPIR, the only information you must submit is your case number. 
• Do I report my income before deductions (like taxes or child support)?  Yes, you should report your gross income, not your net (take-home) income.  The only time you should not report gross income is if you are self-employed.  If this is the case then you should report your net income after business expenses are deducted.  Please note: a business loss must be treated as zero, and may not be subtracted from any other household income.
• What if my income last month was more than normal?  Use the amount you normally get.
• If I don’t qualify now, may I apply again later?  Yes.  You may apply at any time during the school year if you feel that your circumstances have changed.  Examples of when you might want to apply again is if you lose your job, your household size goes up, or you start receiving Food Stamps, TANF, or FDPIR benefits.
• What if I disagree with the school’s decision about my application?  You should talk to school officials.  

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, schools that participate in the School Nutrition Programs are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For More Information please call School Nutrition Programs at (406) 444-2501 or visit our Web site at: www.opi.mt.gov/schoolfood/index.html.