Schools: Families Should Apply Now for Free, Reduced-Cost Meals

Families who receive assistance under some state programs may also be eligible to have their children receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year, according to a release from Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Applicable families should apply now for meal benefits for the 2014-2015 school year. Free or reduced-price meals are available to students based on household size and income.

To view the income eligibility guidelines for 2014-2015, click here. Students are automatically eligible for free meals if the family receives assistance under the Food Supplement Program or Temporary Cash Assistance benefits.

To apply, families must complete a new application for free and reduced-price meals at the beginning of each school year.

Students and their families do not have to be U.S. citizens to receive meal benefits. All students in the family should be listed on one application.

Applications are mailed to families who received benefits for the last school year, and are also sent home with students the first week of school.

Applications are available at all county public schools, and can be submitted at any time. Completed applications can be turned in to any school or the Department of Food and Nutrition Services in person or mailed to: Prince George’s County Public Schools, Food and Nutrition Services Application Center, 13300 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.

Applications can take up to 10 days to process. Families will be notified if they are approved or do not qualify for meal benefits.

To apply online for free and reduced-price meal benefits for the 2014-15 school year, click here.