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ABOUT THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
The National School Lunch Program provides nutritionally balanced, reduced-cost or free meals to children each school day. The program is managed by the USDA. All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or the Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families (TANF) can get free meals regardless of their family’s income. Also, children can get free or reduced-price meals if their household income is within the limits on the Federal Income Chart.
West Fargo Public Schools encourages all families to complete the free/reduced meal application, as the federal program provides more than just meals:
- School Funding: The amount of funding the district receives is dependent on our rate of free/reduced students, as is our eligibility for additional grant funding. Ensuring our free/reduced rate is an accurate representation of our district is vital in providing a valuable education.
- School Meals: Most commonly associated with the free/reduced application is the opportunity to receive free or discounted school meals for children. Eligibility is based on family size and income.
- Activities: Families enrolled in the federal free/reduced meals program are eligible for fee waivers associated with student activities.
- College Applications: Families enrolled in the federal free/reduced meal program are eligible for fee waivers associated with the college application process at select universities.
- Standardized Tests: Families enrolled in the federal free/reduced meal program are eligible for fee waivers associated with national standardized tests (ACT, SAT, and AP Exams).
2023-2024 School Year
In the fall of 2023, families need to pay full price for student meals. We do encourage families to submit an application for free or reduced meals which may entitle your children to free or reduced price meals. The 2023 – 2024 application for free or reduced meals will be available on the district website in July.
This institution is an equal-opportunity provider.
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Free & Reduced Meals Application Information Release
If you qualify for free & reduced meals, certain fees required by the school district will be waived. The school fees will only be waived if you allow us to release your child(ren)'s information. The information will only be released in school related programs to determine eligibility for waiving fees or to determine if other benefits are available to your child(ren).
By signing the attached form, you are giving school nutrition program personnel the permission to release the information provided in your application.
