Families must apply for free school meals again

The Salmon River Central School District has been fortunate enough to offer free breakfast and lunch for all of its students over the past couple of years. This was a result of a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, this waiver has expired and is no longer available for the 2022-23 school year.

Many students can still qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Parents and guardians will need to fill out a meal application to see if they are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, just like they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. You may apply online. Alternatively, paper applications are also being sent home to families this month.

The meal application process is annual. It is important to note that any prior qualification does not automatically roll over to the following year.

School Meals Q&A

Will there be meals “free/no charge” for all students for the 2022-23 school year?

• Unfortunately, no. USDA provided additional funding for school districts nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing all students to access breakfast and lunch at no charge. These waivers and additional funding are not available for the 2022-23 school year.
• To cover the cost of providing meals to students, the district will resume charging for students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals. 
• Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals can eat breakfast and/or lunch at no cost. 

How much will meals cost if my student does not have meal benefits?

• Current meal prices are: 
  • Breakfast
    • All grades: Free
  • Lunch
    • Pre-k through grade 5: $1.75
    • Grades 6-12: $2.00

Why should I apply for free and reduced-price meals?

• Qualifying for free and reduced-price meals can unlock additional benefits for students, including reduced fees for exams. 
• Participating in your school’s meal program helps your school save money. 
• School meals are nutritious and convenient. 

How do I know if my family/student will qualify for free or reduced-priced meals?

• Any family can apply for free or reduced-price meals. 
• Our Salmon River Central School District Food Services Department would be happy to answer any questions you have about the application process.
• Please contact Food Services Manager Nicole Foster at nfoster@srk12.org or call 518-358-6682 for more information. 
• Please see the income guidelines from USDA.
  

New online portal for meal transactions and applications

The Salmon River Central School District is now using TITAN to process meal transactions and applications. It is no longer using MySchoolBucks and MySchoolApps.

With TITAN, families have the ability to apply for free and reduced-price meals online as well as control their child’s lunch accounts by adding payments and seeing the transactions that their child is making.

The portal is also available for staff who wish to add online payments to their individual accounts.

If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact Food Services Manager Nicole Foster at nfoster@srk12.org or call 518-358-6682.