Free Meals FAQ
Free School Meals - Frequently Asked Questions
The USDA and the State have extended waivers allowing DCSD to feed all students one free breakfast and one free lunch daily, through the end of the 22-23 school year. This means that during school days all DCSD students, regardless of income, can receive a free breakfast and free lunch daily at their school.
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Who qualifies for these free meals? - All currently enrolled DCSD students at a brick and mortar site.
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We can afford to pay for meals and do not want to take meals away from students who may need them, can we pay? - No you cannot pay right now, even if you want to. We have enough meals for all students and the money that pays for these “free” meals comes in the form of a federal reimbursement from the USDA and State. We as a program cannot charge you for a meal that we are getting reimbursed for it being free.
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What happens to my student’s current meal eligibility? - It will stay with them and will apply if we have to revert back to free, reduced, and full pay meals next school year.
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Do I need to fill out any extra paperwork or applications for my student to receive free meals the start of the school year? - No you will not. But we still strongly encourage families to fill out the yearly meal application in order to receive other qualifying eligibility benefits.
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If my student had a negative balance on their meal account will that be cleared? - No. Those charges occurred prior and will still need to be paid. You can add money to your students account online through Infinite Campus or send money/check with them to school to give to the kitchen.
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Why are the free school meals only offered through the end of the 22-23 school year? - This decision comes from USDA and the state. They have only extended this benefit until then dependent on funding. If it does get extended into next school year we will communicate that to you.
