FREE AND REDUCED MEAL APPLICATIONS

Arlington School District participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program sponsored by the USDA. All families who meet federal income eligibility guidelines may apply for meals at a reduced price or at no cost. Applications are sent to each household in the District Handbook prior to the start of school. Applications are also available in each school office, the district office and a printable version of the instructions and application at the bottom of this page. Applications may be completed and returned to your student's school or the Child Nutrition Department at 135 S French Ave. NEW THIS YEAR!! Applications are available online through Family Access. All information provided is confidential. Information about this program is available in the school office or by calling 360-618-6237 for more information. Parent/guardians will be notified by the district of your approval status with a printed letter mailed home once the application has been processed.

FREE breakfast is available to all students who qualify for Free OR Reduced Priced Meals during the 2012-2013 school year.

FREE lunch is available to K-3 students who qualify for Reduced Priced Meals during the 2012-2013 school year.

Is your family eligible for free or reduced price meals?

Children need healthy meals for learning readiness. Arlington School District offers healthy meals every school day. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. If you would like to print an application to apply for free or reduced price meals click on the link below or contact your student's school. You may also apply online through Family Access on the district home page.

1. Do I need to fill out an application for each child? No, you may use one application to apply for free or reduced price meals. Incomplete applications cannot be processed, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to your student's school or to Arlington School District, Food Service Program, 315 N French Ave, Arlington, WA 98223. Questions? Call 360-618-6237.

2. Who can receive free meals? Children in households that receive Basic Food or TANF and most foster children can receive free meals regardless of household income. Also, your child(ren) can receive free price meals if your household income is within the free limits of the Federal Income Guidelines.

3. Who can receive reduced priced meals? Your child(ren) can receive reduced price meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits of the Federal Income Guidelines.

4. Can homeless, runaway and migrant children receive free meals? Please call the district's Food Service Department @ 360-618-6237 to see if your child(ren) qualify if you have not been informed that they will receive free meals.

5. I get WIC. Can my child(ren) get free meals? Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please fill out an application.

6. Will the information I give be checked? Yes, you may be asked to verify your information.

7. If I don't qualify now, may I apply later? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down or if you start receiving Basic Food, TANF or other benefits. If you lose your job, your child(ren) may be eligible for free or reduced price meals.

8. What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application? You should speak to school officials. You may also ask for a hearing by calling 360-618-6200.

9. May I apply if someone in my household is not a  U.S. citizen? Yes, you or your child(ren) do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for free or reduced price meals.

10. Who should I include as members of my household? You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives or friends). You must include yourself and all children who live with you.

11. What if my income is not always the same? List the amount that you normally get. For example, if you normally get $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but not if you get it only sometimes.

12. We are in the military, do we include our housing allowance as income? If your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. All other allowances must be included in your gross income.

If you have other questions or need assistance, please call 360-618-6237.