Free & Reduced Price Meals

Children need healthy meals to learn. Schools in the Dallas Independent School District offer healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs $1.00; lunch costs $1.50; and after school snacks cost $0.00. Some children may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. The reduced price is $0.30 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch.

To apply for free or reduced-price meals, a new application must be submitted each school year. Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Applications are sent to all students at the beginning of the school year. Only one application should be filled out for each family by school. (Example: 3 students - 2 elementary and 1 middle school.) All applications are confidential. Notification of status (free, reduced or denied) will be sent to your home. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to your children’s school.

Who can get free or reduced-price meals? Children in households receiving Food Stamps or TANF can get free meals regardless of household income. Also, if your household income is within the limits on the Federal Income Chart, your children can receive free or reduced-price meals.

Will my information be checked? Yes. We may ask you to send written proof of the information you give.

Do I need to fill out an application for each child? No. Complete one application to apply for free or reduced-price meals. Use one Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to the child’s school cafeteria of your choice.

Who can get free meals? Children in households getting Food Stamps or TANF can get free meals regardless of your income. Your benefit letter from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is your documentation for free meals. If you have not already received a letter from your school stating that your household is eligible for free meals you may take your HHSC benefit letter to your child nutrition office to be certified for free meals. Your children can get free meals if your household income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines and you must complete this application and submit to your child nutrition office. Head Start students and most foster children can also qualify for free meals. Call Food and Child Nutrition Services at 214-932-5500, if you have questions.

Should I fill out an application if I got a letter this school year saying my children are approved for free or reduced-price meals? In most cases no, however read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. Call Food and Child Nutrition Services at 214-932-5500 if you have questions.

If I don’t qualify now, may I apply again 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 Food Stamps or TANF. If you lose your job, your children may be able to receive free or reduced-price meals during the time you are unemployed.

What if I disagree with the school’s decision about my application? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: Dora Rivas, Executive Director, 1515 Grand Avenue, Texas, 75215 Telephone: 214-932-5500.

If you have other questions or need help, call 214-932-5500.