Operational changes to the School Nutrition Program for the 2022-23 school year are as follows:
- Meals shall no longer be provided at no cost to all students. Students may receive meals at no cost if they are enrolled in Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or Provision 2 schools, if they are Directly Certified, or qualify through a household income application.
- To be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, parents must submit a household income application.
- Non-CEP or Provision 2 schools will need to collect household income applications to determine student eligibility for free or reduced-price meals for SY2022-23.
- Additionally, household income applications may be used for other funding sources in your district. Benefits of completed income applications include:
- increased funding to support student education, technology, and internet access
- discounts for fees associated with the college application process
- scholarship opportunities and discounted fees for SAT, ACT and AP tests
- Students must be enrolled in a school to receive school meals. Students attending virtual academies are not eligible to participate in either of the federal school meal programs.
- Meals shall only be provided and served on days when school is in session.
- Additionally, household income applications may be used for other funding sources in your district. Benefits of completed income applications include:
GCS parents are advised to apply for the Free and Reduced Meal Program for the 2022-2023 school year once applications as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please contact Brianna Fannon with GCS School Nutrition at 423-787-8012.