Applications for the free & reduced meal program must be submitted each year.  Please remember that it may take up to two weeks to process applications once they are submitted. The effective date of the application, if approved, is the date the application was approved.

Submitting Applications Before the School Year Begins

We encourage all eligible families to submit a new application for free and reduced-priced meals prior to the start of each new school year. This allows the application to be processed and the correct eligibility established before school starts.  Copies of applications will also be available at every school office and lunchroom. Completed applications should be mailed to: 

Nutrition Services
Cascade School District
10195 Titus Road
Leavenworth WA 98826

Submitting Applications After the School Year Begins

Applications are accepted anytime throughout the school year, and can be submitted to your student's lunchroom or mailed to Nutrition Services.

Who Should Apply?
You should complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal Application if:

• Your household income is SAME or LESS than the amount on the Income Chart (see below).
• You receive Basic Food
• You take part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• You receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• You are applying for a Foster Child

Income Chart 

Application Definitions
Household Size: All persons, including parents, children, grandparents, and all people related or unrelated who live in your home and share living expenses. If applying for a household with a foster child, you may include the foster child in the total household size.

Total Household Income: The income each household member received before taxes. This includes wages, social security, pension, unemployment, welfare, child support, alimony, and any other cash income. If you include a foster child as part of the household, you must also include the foster child's personal income. Do not report foster payment as income.

What must be on the application:
The information that is required to complete the application form varies depending on your household situation.

Review the three household categories below to determine how your family must complete the application. Each of the categories includes a list of the specific information that must be provided for the application form to be valid and an example of how the form should be filled out for each household category.

Instructions for households not getting any assistance:

• Student name(s)   
• Names of all household members
• Income by source for all household members
• Adult household member's signature
• The last 4 digits of the social security number of the adult household member who signs the application (or if the adult signing does not have a social security number, check the associated box).
• Complete parts 1, 3, 4 and 5.  Parts 6 and 7 are optional

Instructions for a family getting Basic Food, TANF, or FDPIR:

• List all student names
• Enter a case number
• Adult household member's signature
• Complete parts 1, 2, 4 and 5. Parts 6 and 7 are optional

Instructions for households with only foster children(ren)

• Student's name
• Adult household member's signature
• Complete parts 1 and 5.  Parts 6 and 7 are optional
• You may also send the school a copy of the court documentation showing the foster child(ren) was placed with you instead of filling out an application form. 

Instructions for households with a foster child(ren) and other children:

• Apply as a household and include foster children
• Follow the instructions for households not getting any assistance, and include the foster child's personal income.

Additional Information

• Proof of Eligibility: The information you provide may be verified at any time. You may be asked to send information to prove your student is eligible to receive free and reduced-priced meals.
• Hearing on Decision: Hearing on Decision: If you do not agree with the decision on your child's application or the process used to prove income eligibility, you may talk with Rudy Joya, the fair hearing official. You have the right to a fair hearing which may be arranged by calling the school/school district at the number (509) 548-5277.
• Reapplying for Benefits: You may apply for benefits any time during the school year. If you should have a decrease in household income, an increase in household size, or become unemployed, or receive basic food, FDPIR or TANF, you may be eligible for benefits and may fill out an application at that time.

Other Benefits

If your student qualifies for free or reduced-priced meals, discounted or free school services may also be available. Ask your school for more information about benefits available at your school, as benefits vary from school to school. Benefits may include:

• Advanced Placement Tests
• Running Start Books
• Athletic Fees
• Associated Student Body Fees
• Event Fees
• Pre-College Exams (PSAT/SAT/ACT)
• College Application Fees
• Field Trips