Students in Friendswood ISD can participate in a free and reduced-price meal program through the district if they are unable to afford the full price of meals, according to an Aug. 9 news release from the district.

What you need to know

FISD will determine eligibility for free and reduced-price meals through guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to the release.

While breakfast costs $1.40, and lunch costs $3, reduced-price meals could lower breakfast costs to $0 and lunch costs to $0.40, according to the release.

To qualify for free or reduced-price meals, students' families must meet one of the following requirements:

• A household’s gross income is within the limits described in the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines
• Proof of receiving benefits from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Food Distribution Program for Households on Indian Reservations or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Proof of participation in Head Start or Early Head Start programs

Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of the state agency or court are eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household where they reside.

Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway or migrant also qualify for free meals, according to the release.

Learn more

To apply for free and reduced-price meals, households must fill out an application and return it to the district’s food services department at 402 Laurel Drive, Friendswood. Applications are available on the district’s website. Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year.

Parents who disagree with the district’s application decision may ask for a hearing by contacting Stacy Guzzetta, FISD’s executive director of student operations, at 281-482-1267.

Any questions could be directed to FISD’s food services member Rebecca Holman at [email protected] or to FISD’s food services department at 281-996-6747.