Meal and Educational Benefits Application Information

Federal guidelines require a new application each year. If students have been pre-approved through direct certification, they will receive written notification through the mail or email from Student Dining Services.

No, only one application is needed per household. However, the family must include all of the children in their household (even if they don't attend Yellow Springs Schools) on the application and indicate the schools they attend.

Questions about filling out the application? Call 937-767-7224 ext. 3007

Beginning of the School Year — A family must complete a new application by October 1 each school year.

Students who attended Yellow Springs Schools and participated in the free or reduced-price lunch program during the previous school year may continue that status for the first 30 days of the new school year, or until a new lunch application is approved.

Students new to Yellow Springs Schools pay for lunches until applications are completed.

After a new application is approved, benefits begin immediately. However, parents are responsible for the cost of the meals while applications are being processed.

If a new application is not submitted by October 1, federal regulations require that the family pays for children's lunches until a current application is completed and approved.

If parents submit a new application and their new income exceeds the allowed amount, or if their income is not verified, students are immediately placed in the appropriate status — either Reduced or Paid. When changes occur throughout the year, there is a four-day grace period so that the notification has time to reach the parents.