Free Breakfast and Lunch
Through a Massachusetts budget initiative, universally-free meals are extended for the 2024-25 school year - for first meals only. Every Massachusetts student may receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day. Second meals and a la carte items are not free and need to be paid for, regardless of meal eligibility status.
Other Benefits - Not just free meals!
You may be eligible for more benefits if you:
- belong to a household whose income is at or below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines (see chart below),
- receive public assistance,
- are characterized, as defined by law as homeless, migrant, a runaway, or foster,
- enrolled in an eligible Head Start,
- enrolled in an eligible pre-kindergarten class.
We ask that families complete a Meal Benefit Application if they meet any of these criteria, as this provides data for school funding and community resources. The results from each Meal Benefit Application is used to ensure sustainability for this program.
The application is also used to
determine eligibility for reduced program fees for transportation and athletics, as well as fee-based school
programs and events, such as field trips, picture day, SAT exams, college applications, etc. Eligibility is governed by the guidelines set forth by the U.S.D.A.
Application Requirements (Link to application below)
Returning students application requirement: All returning students must complete a new application within 30 days of the start of a new school year. Families who fail to re-apply will lose eligibility for reduced program fees and will be fully responsible to pay these program fees in full.
New students: All newly registered students must apply as soon as possible to qualify for reduced program fees.
Currently enrolled students: At any time during the school year, families may apply for reduced program fees. Sometimes families experience job or income loss during the year and this is an opportune time to apply.
More Financial Assistance
If you are not receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and have been approved for free or reduced-price school meals, you may be eligible for SNAP which provides monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries to Massachusetts residents who qualify. Find out if you are eligible for SNAP today by calling
Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 and a counselor can help you apply over the phone. You can also visit their website at
https://projectbread.org. You can apply for SNAP online at DTA Connect:
https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/apply
Other Information
Applications are available at the principal's office in each school, at the superintendent's office located in the middle/high school, and on the school's website.
Only one application is required for all children in the household and the information provided will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials.
Families can apply for benefits at any time. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household's income falls at or below the Federal Guidelines. Contact Shaileen Volpe at
[email protected] or 508-906-3671 at any time to request an application.
Under the provisions of the free and reduced price policy, Shaileen Volpe will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Shaileen Volpe, 245 Plain Street, Millis, MA, 02054; 508-906-3671; or
[email protected]. In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability.
Application and Other Important Links
Opening Letter / Frequently Asked Questions
Application
Directions on How to Apply
Translated Applications
Project Bread
If you have further questions or need assistance, please contact:
Shaileen Volpe
245 Plain Street
Millis, MA 02054
(508) 906-3617
[email protected]