The federal provision of free student meals during the COVID-19 pandemic is ending ahead of the 2022-23 school year. Starting this year, students will be charged for school meals unless parents apply for free lunches through the school district or the family receives Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations benefits.

According to a June 30 news release, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is also working to expand direct certification, which would verify children’s eligibility for free or reduced-price lunches without the need for an application. For 2022-23, officials said it is still best practice to review individual school district's policies on free or reduced-price lunches and fill out and submit the proper documents.

All eligible families can complete the following steps to apply for free or reduced-price lunches:
  1. Complete the National School Lunch Program application for free and reduced-price school meals.
  2. Find and complete your district application.
  3. Return the completed application to the school office or submit the form electronically.
  4. Wait to receive notification of eligibility in the mail or via email.
  5. Be aware of how your school district accepts payment for meals in the cafeteria.
Below are links to north Houston school district websites concerning nutritional services. For more information about district policy, contact your district’s nutrition department. Follow this link to learn more about the USDA’s school meal changes for the 2022-23 school year.