There are several important updates to school meals for the 2024-2025 school year.
Families will now use School Cafe to:
Make Meal Payments
View Menus
Submit Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications
Set up Auto Pay and Purchase Restrictions
Get Low Balance Alerts
Your student may qualify for free and reduced meals this school year if:
Your children attend a CEP School (no application needed)
Your children receive other benefits like SNAP, TANF, or MEDICAID, and you received a letter stating your children qualify for free or reduced-price meals (no application needed)
You filled out and have an approved meal application on file for this school year (completed after July 2024)
Families who are not automatically qualified via CEP school or other benefits are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price meals before the start of the school year so there is no gap in benefits. A new application must be submitted each year. You can find links to the online and paper applications on our website. The online application can be translated into multiple languages, is easy to complete, and is processed quickly. An approved application may also qualify students for additional benefits. Only one application is needed per household.
Families who are not automatically qualified via CEP school or other benefits are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price meals before the start of the school year so there is no gap in benefits.
Families that do not qualify for Free or Reduced Meal Benefits should ensure you can access your (SchoolCafe) account. Keep in mind that you can use this tool to add funds when your child needs them and even set up automatic deposits! Your child will need to carry a positive balance in their school meal account to ensure that they have a form of payment available for breakfast and lunch. Funds can also be added for students to purchase snacks, drinks, or extra food.
We are always available to support families to ensure each child receives healthy meal options at school each day. Please consider which option is best for your child this year and let us know if there is any way we can assist.
For more information, please contact School Nutrition Services.