The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.
Free and Reduced Applications are available NOW!
Did you know you can complete and submit the application ONLINE anytime throughout the school year?!
Families can apply for Free/Reduced price meal benefits at any time throughout the school year. If you need assistance paying for meals, please submit an application. Applications are available year-round. If you have a change in income, you can always reapply. Applications are available electronically through School Café.
Don’t hesitate, complete the application today.
There are 2 ways to submit! 1. Online from a computer at schoolcafe.com 2. Download the SchoolCafe by PrimeroEdge app for your smartphone * *We recommend the phone app as the app also allows you to see your child(ren)’s meal purchases, set low balance alerts and set spending limits. You can also see instantly what your child(ren)’s meal eligibility is. After submittal, click on Eligibility Info on the left panel.
A few items you will need to help make the process easy and have a successful submittal:
Watch a video on how to apply!
Additional 2023-2024 Free or Reduced Meal Eligibility Application resources
Information Letter for Web-based Applications (English) Carta De Informacion (Espanol)
How to Apply for Free or Reduced Meals
If you are not able to complete the online application and are needing a paper version, please email school.nutrition@southeastpolk.org or call 515-957-3432.
If your total household income is within the limits listed in the table below, your children may be eligible for either free or reduced-price school meals. If your child/children qualify for free or reduced-price meals, you may also be eligible for food assistance benefits from the State of Iowa, Department of Human Services (DHS).
Once your application has been received by the food service department, please allow up to 10 business days for approval of the application. A confirmation letter of approval or denial will be emailed or mailed once the application has been reviewed.
If you still need an application, please contact your school building’s secretary for a copy or contact, Brandy Jankowski at 515-957-3432.
Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines for 2023-2024
If you qualify and are interested in applying, please visit SchoolCafe.com to submit an online application.
**Fees are not automatically waived or reduced based on meal eligibility. A Sharing of Information form must also be completed each year. If you feel you have not completed one as part of online registration, please follow the link below.**
Sharing of Information Form [Formally known as the fee waiver]
Privacy Act Statement: This explains how we will use the information you give us.
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act requires the information on this application. You do not have to give the information, but if you do not, we cannot approve your child for free or reduced price meals. You must include the last four digits of the social security number of the adult household member who signs the application. The last four digits of the social security number is not required when you apply on behalf of a foster child or you list a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) case number or other FDPIR identifier for your child or when you indicate that the adult household member signing the application does not have a social security number. We will use your information to determine if your child is eligible for free or reduced price meals and for administration and enforcement of the lunch and breakfast programs. We MAY share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.
Federal Non-discrimination Statement
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 at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, 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:
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Iowa Nondiscrimination Statement
“It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E. 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.”
