How Does the National School Lunch Program Determine Student Eligibility?
Explore how student ID numbers determine eligibility for free or reduced-cost lunches under the National School Lunch Program.
To qualify for free or reduced lunch at school, parents or guardians must complete an application through the school or district office.
The application gathers detailed information about the household's income, family size, and any assistance programs the family may be receiving.
Processing and Notification
Once the application is submitted, the school's nutrition department processes the information based on the guidelines set by the National School Lunch Program.
A determination is then made and the student, as well as the parent or guardian, is notified of their eligibility status.
Student ID Number
Each student is assigned a unique ID number within the school's system, which remains consistent from year to year.
At the lunch register, the student inputs their ID number, and the cashier's system immediately identifies their eligibility status for free or reduced lunch, thus ensuring privacy and avoiding any stigmatization.
Payment and Account Management
For students eligible for reduced lunch, the system automatically accounts for the reduced price based on their eligibility status.
Families can also choose to pre-load money onto their child's account to cover any additional costs or to avoid the need to carry money for lunch daily.
