Apply Now for Free/Reduced Priced School Meals!

Apply Now for Free/Reduced Priced Meals. Qualify for more than a meal AND support your school!

Qualify for more than a meal AND support your school!


more than a meal graphic

The free/reduced priced meal program affects a variety of areas unrelated to school meals, including school funding, internet access, college application fees, SAT fees and bus passes. Even if your child doesn't plan to eat school lunches, it is important to fill out the free/reduced priced meal program application to ensure our schools and families receive the available resources. 

We encourage all San Marcos Unified families to complete the online application. 


Apply online NOW by clicking hererocket scan logo

 About the Benefits

School Funding
Every student who is under a certain income, learning English, or in foster care generates 20% more funding. In districts where at least 55% of students are high-need, they receive even more funding. The dollars generated by high-need students are spent to increase or improve services for low-income students, English learners and foster youth.

SAT and College Application Fees
Any 11th and 12th-grade student that is eligible to participate in the free/reduced priced meal program is eligible for SAT fee waivers. Every income-eligible student who takes the SAT using a test fee waiver can choose four colleges from over 2,000 participating colleges and apply for free.

Bus Passes
Income-eligible students between the ages of 5 – 18 pursuing a high school diploma qualify for discounted bus passes.

Internet Service

Internet services are available starting at $10 a month for qualifying families through Cox, Spectrum, and AT&T (click here for details).


Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I need to fill out an application for each child?

No, you can fill out one form for multiple children in the same household.

Who will know that our family submitted an application?

Our system is confidential. Neither school staff nor other students will know whether your family qualifies for the program.

Should I complete an application if I received a letter this school year saying my children are already approved for free or reduced-price meals?

No.

Do I have to list a social security number?

Yes, you must list the last 4 digits of your Social Security number if you have one.  If you do not have a Social Security number, you must check the box indicating there is no social security number..

Where should I send my meal application?

The best way to complete a meal application is online.

How do I know if I have qualified for the current school year?

You will receive either an email or a letter from Child Nutrition Services letting you know the status of your meal application. 


* The free/reduced priced meal program affects a variety of areas unrelated to school meals, including school funding, internet access, college application fees, SAT fees and bus passes. Even if your child doesn't plan to eat school lunches, it is important to fill out the free/reduced priced meal program application to ensure our schools and families receive the available resources. 
All San Juan Unified families are being asked to complete the application or return a form to opt-out of the free/reduced priced meal program:
    * Fill out the meal application online (available online in English and Spanish) 

    * Obtain a paper form at 3738 Walnut Avenue in Carmichael, the Central Enrollment Center at 3700 Garfield Avenue, at any meal distribution location or at any school office. Fillable and printable PDF's for languages other than English and Spanish are also available. These forms can be printed and returned to the school office or any meal distribution location. 


    * Fill out this opt-out form if you choose not to participate (Multi-lingual) 

*   
About the Benefits
School Funding
Every student who is under a certain income, learning English, or in foster care generates 20% more funding. In districts where at least 55% of students are high-need, they receive even more funding. The dollars generated by high-need students are spent to increase or improve services for low-income students, English learners and foster youth.
SAT and College Application Fees
Any 11th and 12th-grade student that is eligible to participate in the free/reduced priced meal program is eligible for SAT fee waivers. Every income-eligible student who takes the SAT using a test fee waiver can choose four colleges from over 2,000 participating colleges and apply for free.
Bus Passes
Income-eligible students between the ages of 5 – 18 pursuing a high school diploma qualify for discounted RT Monthly Stickers. The parent/guardian can fill out a Discount RT Eligibility Form available at www.sanjuan.edu/rtoutlet or at San Juan Central, 3700 Garfield Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608.
Internet Service
Through a partnership with Comcast, the Internet Essentials Program provides internet for less than $10 a month for qualifying families. The program also provides the opportunity to purchase a laptop or desktop computer for $149 and free classes to assist in learning internet basics. For more information, visit www.internetessentials.com

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No, you can fill out one form for multiple children in the same household.
Who will know that our family submitted an application?
Our system is confidential. Neither school staff nor other students will know whether your family qualifies for the program.
Should I complete an application if I received a letter this school year saying my children are already approved for free or reduced-price meals?
No.
Do I have to list a social security number?
Yes, you must list the last 4 digits of your Social Security number if you have one.  If you do not have a Social Security number, you must check the box indicating there is no social security number..
Where should I send my meal application?
The best way to complete a meal application is online. Please submit paper applications directly meal distribution staff or to the Nutrition Services department located at 3738 Walnut Avenue, Carmichael.
How do I know if I have qualified for the current school year?
You will receive either an email or a letter from Nutrition Services letting you know the status of your meal application.