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1. May I fax my application to the School Food Service office?
No, only original application will be accepted.
2. Where can I submit my household’s application?
You may complete a Free and Reduced Price Meal Application on- line at www.palmbeachschools.org/sfs
3. May I put my child’s nickname on the application?
No. Please write your child’s full name that was used to register him/her in school.
4. My children attend different Palm Beach County schools. How many applications do I need to complete?
One application listing all students living in your household is all that is required, no matter what schools they attend. Make sure that all students are listed in Section 3 of the application.
5. I have a foster child. How do I apply for free or reduced meals for him/her?
If a State or local foster agency does not initially provide documentation for a categorically eligible foster child, an application identifying the child as a foster child must be completed. Additionally, a household may now include foster children on their application.
6. Do I need to provide income information for my school-aged children?
Either income or an “X” placed in the No Income box must be completed for each student listed on the application.
7. Do I need to include my Social Security Number on the application?
Yes. It is required on all applications that list income; however, only the LAST FOUR digits of the social security number are required. If you are receiving Food Stamps, TANF, or are applying for a foster child, a Social Security Number is not required. If the adult completing the application does not have a Social Security Number, check the box in Section 9 of the application.
8. I currently receive Food Stamps. What do I need in order to apply for free meals for my child?
If you are currently receiving Food Stamps or TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), you will need the 10-digit case number, normally found on the Letter of Eligibility from the Food Stamp or TANF office. It is not your EBT card number.
9. What are the “frequency bubbles”?
New to the income section of the application, there are four bubbles (W, 2W, M, and 2M). "W" means "Weekly", "2W" means "Every two weeks", "M" means "Monthly", and "2M" means "Twice a month". "A" means "Annual", but you must be self-employed or a seasonal employee in order to use this option. Please be sure to fill in the correct bubble next to each household member’s income, or your child's benefits may be delayed while we try to reach you. We will not assume that your income is monthly if the bubbles are left blank. If a household member listed does not receive any income place an “X” in the No Income box.
10. What does “Share My Information” mean on the Free and Reduced Price Meal Application?
You may choose to sign your name in the box that states you would like the eligibility information on your household’s application to be given to the local low-cost health insurance agency. You may also choose to place an “X” in the box that states you would like to have your child’s eligibility information shared with other educational programs, such as summer camp programs, or for field trips. Educational programs vary by school. Contact your child’s school for more information. Your child’s name and eligibility are the only pieces of information shared with other programs. Your household’s income and social security numbers are kept confidential within the School Food Service office.
11. How will I be notified when my application has been approved or denied?
Once you apply on- line, please allow ten working days for the application to be processed. You will receive a letter of eligibility either in the mail or it will be sent home with your child.
12. I haven’t received notification on whether or not my application was approved. What can I do?
If you do not receive notification of eligibility, it may be due to an incomplete application. If you applied online and you retained the Confirmation # you received after completing the application, click here to check the status of the application. You may also call the School Food Service office at 1-888-383-2025 for assistance.
13. My household was approved for reduced price meals. What price do I have to pay for meals?
Reduced price breakfast is $.30 daily, and reduced price lunch is $.40 daily, per child.
14. Who do I contact if I need help completing this application?
You may call the School Food Service office at 1-888-383-2025 for assistance in completing the Family Free and Reduced Price Meal Application.
15. Are there any other languages available?
Applications are available at all schools in English, Spanish and Creole.
16. Is there a time limit on when I can apply for free or reduced meals?
No. You may apply for free or reduced price meal benefits at any time during the school year.