Filling out the educational benefits application could qualify your family for reduced participation fees. Please fill it out HERE.
What is the Minnesota Free School Meals Program?
The Minnesota Free School Meals Program provides state reimbursement to schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program so that students can have one breakfast and one lunch at no cost at school.
Can the meals be picked up or brought home like we did during the pandemic?
No. Congregate meal service is required in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Meals may not be taken off campus, sent home, delivered, or picked up by parents or others.
Do I still need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits?
Families need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits. Applications for Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and support. Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits, such as:
WIC Benefits
Metro Transit Assistance Program
FCC Affordable Connectivity Program/Reduced-price internet programs
Some summer camps, athletics programs, and child care providers offer scholarships or discounts
What is included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
The student must choose at least three items to be counted as a reimbursable meal at breakfast. The student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or a vegetable as part of their breakfast. At lunch, the student must choose at least three components to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or a vegetable as part of their lunch.
What is NOT included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
Single-item purchases and non-reimbursable meals are not free. Some examples include: a carton of milk, snack items, a second entrée, a second breakfast, or a second lunch, meals that do not meet the minimum requirements, and meals served to teachers, staff, and other adults.
The price for student breakfast and lunch meals will be $0 for all sites.
Fill out the Form! The Application for Education Benefits helps determine how much education funding your school will receive. Complete an application for your student for the school year 2025-26.
Students and families may qualify for other program fee reductions based on their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. Parents should complete an Application for Education Benefits.
Only meals that meet the requirements are reimbursed. Students who want additional or single items will be charged for those items.
The 2025-26 Free and Reduced Meal Application is on the district website under Food Service, and a paper application has been mailed out to families.
For more information, please call Krystel Ebel at 651-480-7050 or Brittney Hirschauer at 651-480-7126
