Applications Being Accepted for Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Posted on 08/04/2020

As families begin to prepare for the new school year, now is the time to apply for free and reduced-price meals from the school cafeteria.

To complete the application online, click here. There is also a tile in the Student Portal. The application is mobile-friendly and can be completed on a smartphone or on a computer. Paper applications will be available at schools during summer food distribution. Only one application is needed per household.

Eligibility for free and reduced-meals is based on household size and income as outlined in the tables below. Applications can be submitted at any time, but to ensure that your family’s application is processed by the first day of school, parents and guardians should apply by Monday, August 24. 

Once income applications are approved, meal benefits are in effect for the remainder of the school year, unless they are selected for verification.

Beginning August 31, students will be able to pick up free, reduced, or full-price grab-and-go meals from their school during select times, which will be released in time for the start of school.  Students who purchase reduced-price or full-price meals are encouraged to establish and fund a School Cash Online account to pay for meals at pick up. 

Breakfast is free for any student in Palm Beach County schools regardless of financial need. Reduced lunch costs $.40. Regular lunch prices are $2.05 for elementary students and $2.30 for middle and high school students.

FLORIDA INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
FOR FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS

Effective from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021

Eligibility Guidelines
Household Size	Annual	Monthly	Twice Per Month	Every Two Weeks	Weekly
1	$23,606	$1,968	$984	$908	$454
2	$31,894	$2,658	$1,329	$1,227	$614
3	$40,182	$3,349	$1,675	$1,546	$773
4	$48,470	$4,040	$2,020	$1,865	$933
5	$56,758	$4,730	$2,365	$2,183	$1,092
6	$65,046	$5,421	$2,711	$2,502	$1,251
7	$73,334	$6,112	$3,056	$2,821	$1,411
8	$81,622	$6,802	$3,401	$3,140	$1,570
For each additional family member, add	+ $8,288	+ $691	+ $346	+ $319	+ $160

 

If the household income decreases at any time during the year, you may reapply.

Households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are required to list on the application only the child’s name, SNAP / TANF case number, and signature of an adult household member. 

Foster children will receive free benefits regardless of the child’s personal income or the income of the household. If the foster family chooses to apply and the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced-price meals, it does not prevent a foster child from receiving free meal benefits.

Households with children who are considered migrants, homeless, or runaway should contact the District Liaison, Beth Lefler at 561-494-1547 or via email at beth.lefler@palmbeachschools.org.

For the purpose of determining household size, deployed service members are considered a part of the household. Families should include the names of the deployed service members on their application.

Report only that portion of the deployed service member’s income made available to them or on their behalf to the family. Additionally, a housing allowance that is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative is not to be included as income.

All other households must provide the following information listed on the application:

• Total household income listed by the amount received and type of income and how often the income is received (wages, child support, etc.) received by each household member.

• Names of all household members.

• Signature of an adult household member certifying that the information provided is correct.

• Last four digits of Social Security number of the adult signing the application or check the box for “No SSN” for this household member if he or she does not have a Social Security number.