In a typical year a student’s household must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify for free or reduced-price meals, according to a news release sent out by the school district. However, the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, issued guidance that allows schools to offer meals to all students at no cost for the 2021-22 school year.
While no application or eligibility determination is required for PISD students to receive free meals this school year, income eligibility requirements will likely resume in the 2022-23 school year, according to the news release.
Because of that, PISD will process household applications during the 2021-22 school year to ensure student eligibility for free or reduced-price meals during the first 30 days of the 2022-23 year while the applications for the school year are being processed, according to the news release.
Beginning Aug. 18, PISD says it will send out letters to households about 2022-23 eligibility benefits and actions households need to take to apply. Applications can also be found at www.schoolcafe.com or at the PISD Food Service Office at 1928 North Main St., Pearland.
