In a nutshell
According to a district news release, students who qualify for the program will receive one breakfast and one lunch combo meal daily for their free or reduced-cost price. Eligible students may also qualify for the following benefits:
- Weekend snack packs
- Assistance with summer camp fees
- Free school supplies and backpack at NISD Back-to-School Fair
- NISD Angel Tree program
- Free textbooks for dual-credit courses
- Free OnRamps tuition
- Discounts on Advanced Placement exam fees
- SAT and ACT fee waivers
Families can apply online or with a paper application. Online applications are processed the fastest, and the application status is typically available within 48 hours after completion, according to the news release.
Paper applications are available on the district’s free and reduced-price meal program website and can be returned via email, fax or in-person at the student’s campus or the district food services department.
The news release states a new application must be completed each school year, and stipulations include:
- Previously accepted students will have a 30-day grace period to reapply to the program.
- After 30 days, only students who submitted a new application this school year and qualified for the program will receive free or reduced-price meals.
- The 30-day grace period ends Sept. 25 for the 2024-25 school year.
