School Meals Program

SchoolFood is the largest school food service provider in the United States, providing meals to students in over 1450 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 FREE for all students and lunch costs $1.50. If you are receiving benefits such as WIC, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Aid to Dependant Children (ADC), Food Stamps, or any other public assistance benefits, your child is eligible for free meals. Children from households that meet Federal Income Guidelines are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

This year, a new School Breakfast and Lunch Application (formerly SD1041) will be delivered to your school. The form looks different from the one you have seen in the past, but the information required has not changed.

Click here to view the New School Breakfast and Lunch Application

Click here to view a video tutorial of the New School Breakfast and Lunch Application

Click here to view the 2006-07 Eligibility Guidelines

Click here to view Household Notification Letters

FAQ's

Q. Why should I complete the School Breakfast and Lunch 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 Breakfast and Lunch 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 monthly gross income. Your child is eligible for free meals if you 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 like books, classroom furniture and other resources. Even if you feel that you are not eligible for free or reduced-price meals write Not Applicable across the front of the application and return it-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, Aid to Dependent Children 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 Breakfast and Lunch Application and provide your Food Stamp or FDPIR/TANF case number. Your child will then be eligible for free school meals.