FAQs

School Meal Application FAQs

1. Who can get free or reduced-price meals?

   Children in households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), students who qualify as homeless, runaway, foster, and/or migrant children, and students who live with a parent in a car or hotel can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, if your household income is within the limits on the Federal Income Chart, your children can get free or reduced-price meals.

   Applications from families receiving SNAP and TANF benefits need only to list the children’s names, 7-digit SNAP and TANF number, the last 4 digits of an adult household member’s social security number (or a mark in the box if no SS number), address and phone number, and the signature of the adult household member.

   All other households who would qualify based upon income must show the names of all household members, the amount of income each person received last month and source, the frequency of earnings, the signature of an adult household member and the last 4 digits of that adult’s social security number or check the box if the adult does not have a social security number. The information on the application may be verified by the program officials at any time during the school year.

2. Will the information I give be checked?

   If we need to verify your income, we may ask you to send written proof of the information given on the application, such as pay stubs.

3. How do I receive my notification letter?

   If you have submitted an online application, and have a current email on file with the district, your notification letter will be emailed to you. If you do not have an email on file, letters will be mailed to your home address.

   PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO FAMILIES WHO RECEIVE SNAP BENEFITS (CALFRESH) AND TANF (CALWORKS) BENEFITS ONLY.

   If you receive SNAP Benefits (CalFresh) or TANF (CalWorks) benefits, your student may already qualify for free meals through the state’s Direct Certification list. If you have already received a notification letter via regular mail and made sure all your SCUSD students are listed correctly on that letter, you do not need to fill out an online application. If you are not sure whether your students have already qualified through the Direct Certification list or if any of your SCUSD students are not listed on the letter, please contact our office at 916-395-5600 for assistance.

4. What if my household size or income changes?

   Once your children qualify for free or reduced-price meals they are eligible for benefits the remainder of the school year and the first 30 days of the following school year, even if your income goes up. If you qualify for reduced-price meal benefits and your income decreases or your household size increases, you may want to reapply as your student may be eligible to receive free meals.

5. If I don't qualify, may I apply again later?

   Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. If your household size goes up or income goes down, if you start receiving SNAP benefits (CalFresh) or TANF (CalWorks) benefits, or if you lose your job, your children may become eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

6. What if I disagree with the decision about my application?

   You may ask for a hearing by calling or in writing to: Diana Flores, Director of Nutrition Services; Sacramento City Unified School District; by phone at 916-395-5600 or by email at [email protected].

7. Who has permission to see my application?

   The information on your school meal application will be used by Nutrition Services to determine if your children should receive free and reduced-price meals. We may also share your information with the programs listed in the application. The information cannot be released to any other program unless an Information Release is signed.