Families encouraged to complete Free- and Reduced-Meal Eligibility Form so students in need continue to receive free meals

As students approach the end of the 2023-2024 academic year, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is urging families to complete the Free- and Reduced-Meal Eligibility Form to ensure eligible students continue to receive free or reduced-cost meals. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented free school meal waivers from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic until June 2022. Following the end of the federal waiver program, the NDA utilized American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to continue the program for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years. 

The 2024-2025 academic year marks a return to pre-pandemic school lunch policies. Nevada students will only receive a free or reduced-cost meal at a school participating in the National School Lunch Program if they are deemed eligible based on income guidelines after completing a Free- and Reduced-Meal Eligibility Form, by participating in other federal assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid, or if they are attending a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school. 

“It is critical for parents and guardians to fill out the Free- and Reduced-Meal Eligibility Form from their school,” said NDA Division of Food and Nutrition Administrator Patricia Hoppe. “Even if you don’t think you qualify, the NDA encourages families to fill out the form anyway.” 

Many schools throughout the state are designated as “Community Eligibility Provision” (CEP). This designation is due to high percentages of students qualifying for free meals through SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid and allows for all students at that school to receive free meals. Schools and school districts that have a CEP designation will continue to offer free meals to their students at no cost to the enrolled students. Please note, additional schools may be added to this before the 2024-2025 academic year.  

Students at non-CEP designated schools can submit a Free- and Reduced-Meal Eligibility Form and be deemed eligible based on income guidelines or be directly certified through SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. Parents and guardians can fill out the form for the 2023-2024 school year now, providing a 30-day grace period that will ensure students have access to meals on the first day of the 2024-2025 school year. A new eligibility form for the 2024-2025 school year will still need to be completed; schools will have these forms available after July 1, 2024. 

Visit your school or school district website to complete the Free- and Reduced-Meal Eligibility Form.