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What is the Minnesota Free School Meals Program?
What is the Minnesota Free School Meals Program?
The Minnesota Free School Meals Program provides state reimbursement to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program so that students can have one breakfast and one lunch at no cost at school.
What is included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
- At breakfast, the student must choose at least 3 items to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their breakfast.
- At lunch, the student must choose at least 3 components to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The student must choose a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their lunch.
What is NOT included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
Single-item purchases and non-reimbursable meals are not free. Some examples include:
- a second carton of milk
- snack items
- second entrée
- a second breakfast or a second lunch
- meals that do not meet the minimum requirements
- meals served to teachers, staff, and other adults
Do I still need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits?
Families must complete the Application for Educational Benefits (aka Free/Reduced-Price Meal Benefits Application). Applications for Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and supports. Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits, such as:
- WIC Benefits
- Metro Transits’ Transit Assistance Program
- FCC Affordable Connectivity Program/Reduced Price internet programs
- Some summer camps, athletics programs and child cares offer scholarships or discounts.
We offer healthy, well-balanced meals that meet federal nutrition standards to students.
We operate an angel fund for students in need.
Account balances of graduating seniors will by default, be transferred to a sibling's meal account. Seniors without siblings will receive an email with refund options.
Families can add funds to student lunch accounts through our online system, Infinite Campus.
We do the best we can to efficiently manage waste while also preserving the planet for a more sustainable future.
Many students in our schools have allergies to certain food products, which is why we do everything we can to prevent cross-contamination.
Every two weeks, automated emails will be sent to parents of students with negative balance accounts until the balance is positive.
Stay informed about breakfast and lunch options at school using MealViewer. Access daily menus, nutritional details, and allergen info in one convenient app.
A state reimbursement to schools so students can have 1 breakfast and lunch at no cost.
Our school menus change due to supply chain issues affecting food availability, similar to what restaurants and grocery stores are experiencing.