21st Century Community    Learning Centers Administrative Services Adult Education & Literacy    GED/Displaced Homemaker Child Nutrition & Food Distribution Coordinated School Health Credentialing/Paraprofessional English Language Learner Programs Even Start Management Information Systems Native American Education School Counselor Programs School Finance & Organization School Technology Section 504 Special Education Standards & Achievement Supplemental Programs Teacher and School Effectiveness Testing & Assessment Title 1 Programs ND School for the Blind ND School for the Deaf ND State Library

Skip Navigation CNFD Home New and Hot Items Training Programs Programs Partners About the CNFD Program FNP System Portal

How to Apply for Free/Reduced Priced Meals Most schools in North Dakota participate in the school lunch program. Many schools also offer breakfast. If your household income meets income guidelines (income guidelines) or if you receive Food Stamps, TANF or Commodity Assistance on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), your children may be eligible for free meals at school. To apply: Request an application form from the school your child/ren attends, or print the application form. If you receive other benefits If you receive benefits for your children from Food Stamps, TANF or Commodity Assistance on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) programs: Each August a Meal Benefit Notice is sent to all households receiving Food Stamps or TANF benefits. Sign and turn this in at the school.  No other application form is required. OR Complete the application form.  Enter the Food Stamps or TANF case number or an indication that the students are receiving FDPIR benefits, and the names of the students.  Sign the form and return it to the school. If you don’t receive other benefits: If you don’t receive benefits from Food Stamps, TANF, or FDPIR benefits, the application will be determined based on household income. In this case the following information is needed on the application form: The names of all household members. List the amount of all income received and how often it is received. The signature and social security number of the person completing the application. Income Eligibility Guidelines are in place for determining whether a household is eligible for free or reduced price meals. If there are foster children in the household, a separate application must be filled out for each child. Include: The name of the foster child. The amount of money the child personally receives, and The signature of the adult completing the application. Contact the school if you have questions on how to fill out the application for foster children. DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY The information listed on the application form is confidential and will be used only for determining eligibility. An application that is not complete can't be approved. The application must be determined with ten (10) school days after it is received by the the school. You will be notified of the determination.  If benefits are denied, you'll be notified in writing. If you don't agree with the determination you may wish discuss it with the school or you may request a formal hearing. Things to Know You may apply for free or reduced price meals any time during the year. The school may verify the information on any application at any time during the year. A new application must be filled out each year. Changes in income You must notify the school: If you no longer receive Food Stamps, TANF, or FDPIR benefits. If your household income increase by more than $50 a month or $600 a year. If you aren't eligible for free or reduced price meals now-fill out an application if: There is a decrease in household income, There is an increase in household size, OR If an adult household member becomes unemployed. For more information regarding free and reduced price meals, contact your school, or call the Child Nutrition office at 1-888-338-3663.  You may also e-mail our office. "USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer"

Home    |    Programs & Services    |    Resources    |    Grants    |    State Standards    |    Education Legislation

Administrative Rules    |    Links    |    Frequently Asked Questions    |    Site Map

This site is best viewed with Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher

Visit the Adobe website for PDF accessibility tools.

Send mail to dpi@nd.gov if you have any questions or comments.

North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Dr. Wayne G. Sanstead, State Superintendent 600 E. Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 201 Bismarck, North Dakota 58505-0440 701/328-2260 Disclaimer Statement