Free & Reduced Applications & Information

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We strongly encourage all parents/guardians to submit a Meal Application. Completing a meal application takes less than 10 minutes, and parents only need to complete one application per household.

EVERY ELIGIBLE FORM COUNTS!

Every eligible form that is not submitted means lost resources for our schools.

For more information about how to apply, please keep reading.

How do I apply for the Free and Reduced Program?

You will find the application in any school office or you may download and print the application below.

In addition, starting August 2023, we are offering online applications through SKYWARD Family Access. Family Access log-in information can be obtained by contacting your school secretary. For instructions on how to complete a Free and Reduced Application online follow this link:

Instructions on how to submit a Free and Reduced Application Online

Please remember if you would like your child to participate in the Free & Reduced Meals program a new application must be completed each year.

The information you provide may be verified at any time. You may be asked to send additional information to prove your child is eligible to receive free and reduced-priced meals.

Once you apply, please allow up to 10 business days before calling to check on your child's status. Keep in mind you will have to pay full price for your students meals until you receive a letter or email stating your qualification of free or reduced meals. Please note families are responsible for the cost of meals provided to a student prior to eligibility for free or reduced priced meals being established.

Eligibility letters are sent to the primary guardian on file. Our program sends correspondence first by email, or if an email address is not listed, then a letter is sent to the address on the student's file. Email notifications are immediate and letters will take a couple of days to process. Please note: periodically, due to the number of files that are sent from our department, some emails go directly into the "Junk Folder."If this happens, we recommend adding our address to your email's "Safe Sender List." Letters are also available on SKYWARD Family Access.

If you are denied, you will also receive a letter from our office stating the reason for the denial. You may reapply 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, TANF, or FDPIR, you may be eligible for benefits and may fill out an application at that time.

Completed applications can be returned to your child's school or mailed (we are not able to accept faxed copies) to the following address:

Stanwood-Camano School District

Attn: Food Service

26920 Pioneer Hwy Stanwood, WA 98292

Questions?

Please call the Food Services Department at 360-629-1200


Additional Language Versions Available

The USDA has also provided a template to assist in serving households where English/Spanish is not spoken as a primary language. Households may download these resources directly to be filled out and submitted to their local school district. In addition to the application form, each translated packet also includes application instructions and a parent letter/FAQ. For additional languages please follow this link:

Foreign Language Application Translation

Running Start Students

We recognize that local programs and colleges offer a discount if students show proof of qualifying for the Free & Reduced Meal program. In order to qualify, running start students must be on campus attending a class either prior to or following a scheduled meal service. If your running start student does not meet these guidelines they will not qualify for the Free & Reduced Program and we cannot provide a letter stating they do. However, I can create a letter that indicates your student "would" qualify if they were on campus. To request a letter for your running start student, please contact Jennifer Dahl, Food Services Secretary at (360) 629-1411 or by email @ at [email protected].

Need a copy of your Eligibility Letter?

Eligibility letters are available on the Primary Guardian's (first name listed on SKYWARD) Family Access account, under Food Service, Eligibility Letters (found on the top of the page). SKYWARD Family Access account information can be obtained by contacting your child's school secretary. Once logged into Family Access, if your letter is not showing, please contact Jennifer Dahl, Food Services Secretary at (360)-629-1411 or by email at [email protected]

Confidentiality

The information provided by families on the free and reduced price application will be used only for determining eligibility for meal or milk benefits and verification of eligibility and is considered highly confidential. All students eating school meals receive the same lunch cards, meals, etc. Students on the program will not be identified as they gather their meals and go through the lunch line. Access to the information provided by households on their applications or through direct certification is limited to certain local, state, and federal officials.