The Free and Reduced Meal Program is confidential and open for all to apply. Program eligibility is determined by the district. Although meals are provided for free via the Healthy School Meals for All program, qualifying students may receive discounts on school fees, athletics fees, bus passes, device fees and more.
Free Meals and the Free and Reduced Program, Explained
Families that are eligible for the Free and Reduced Program should provide their household income information by completing the Free and Reduced Application. While meals are provided for free to all Academy District 20 students through Healthy School Meals for All, it's important for us to gather this information in order to receive federal funding.
By providing this information, you will be supporting our district in accessing additional federal funds that will go directly to our schools to help cover the cost of meals, as well as after school programs and other nutritional programs for students.
Families who qualify may receive discounted school fees, athletics, bus passes, device fees and more.
Application Details
Previous Free and Reduced Program Participants
If your student(s) participated in the Free and Reduced Program during the 2023-24 school year, please remember those participants receive carryover benefits for the first 30 school days (Aug. 13 – Sept. 27, 2024), or until a new eligibility determination is made, whichever comes first.
SNAP Participants
If you participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, or Medicaid and have not received a notice of Direct Certification to your Parent Portal Inbox, please complete an application and the Permission to Share form.
If you have received a notice of Direct Certification, please complete the Permission to Share form.
Online Application
Applying online is the fastest way to have your application processed.
Online applications are available through Infinite Campus beginning July 17, 2024.
Please fill out the form completely, including the Permission to Share form. Without this form, we cannot offer reduced or waived fees.
If a problem occurs while applying online, please contact our Help Desk.
Application Forms
Applying online (see the section above) is a much faster way to have your application processed.
Forms may be downloaded from the Forms section at the bottom of this page beginning in early August, 2023.
Paper applications are also available each school that participates in this program, or at the Education and Administration Center (EAC) located at 1110 Chapel Hills Dr.
Only one form is required for all students in the household.
Please fill out the entire packet, including the Permission to Share form. Without this form, we cannot offer reduced or waived fees. This form is also available separately from the rest of the packet should you need it.
Application processing, whether online or paper, can take three to seven days. All applicants will be notified of their approval/denial status via their Infinite Campus inbox.
Free and Reduced FAQ
Where can I find the results of my household application?
The results of your application will be sent to your Infinite Campus inbox. If you are denied benefits, we will send a letter to the signer's personal email.
How can I pay the balance on my student’s account?
You can access your student’s account through Campus Payments in Infinite Campus.
Who can I contact if I cannot access Infinite Campus
Please contact the Help Desk for all sign in issues.
What's in my students meal?
Breakfast: Schools must offer students all three required food components in at least the minimum serving amount required. The components at breakfast are: grains (with optional meats/meat alternatives allowed); juice/fruit/vegetable; and milk. A student must be offered at least four food items and must select at least three food items, one of which must be a ½ cup of fruit (juice may be selected) or vegetables. Milk is optional.
Lunch: Schools must offer students all five required food components in at least the minimum serving amount required. The components at lunch are: meat/meat alternatives; grains; fruit; vegetables; and milk. A student must take at least three components in the required serving size and one selection must be at least ½ cup of fruits or vegetables. Milk is optional.
Menus are available on your school's website or on the School Meals and Menus page at ASD20.org.
Why am I seeing charges on my student’s account if all meals are free per the Healthy School Meals for All program?
Your student likely purchased a second meal or purchased an extra item (a-la-carte) like cookies, extra drinks or chips which are still available at a cost. You can look at your student’s food service account in Infinite Campus to see itemized purchases.
How do I get my fees reduced if my household qualifies for free or reduced lunch?
You will need to fill out an application. If you have already done this you may need the Permission to Share form, which is included in the application. You can download this form separately on this page or contact us to receive this form. Once filled out, we can notify the school of your release and the fee reduction will be determined by your school's Principal and Bookkeeper.
Can I reapply if my household’s financial situation changes?
Yes, you can reapply at any time during the year, although, you may be asked to verify your income.
Why am I receiving notification that my student(s) are Directly Certified with SNAP or Medicaid benefits even though they are not?
To protect student privacy, matches are primarily based on name, address, and guardian information instead of social security numbers. Due to this, a small number of incorrect matches may occur. Please send an email to free-and-reduced@asd20.org for assistance if you feel you are receiving benefits by mistake.
Why is my student being denied a breakfast or lunch?
It is our policy at Academy District 20 that no student will ever be denied a breakfast or lunch. It is likely that your student tried to purchase something that would generate a cost and can be denied if their account does not have available funds. However, if you do feel your child is being denied a meal please contact us immediately.
USDA Non-Discrimination Disclosure
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; orfax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.