Free & Reduced Lunch Info

A Message to Jeffco Public Schools Families and Staff

As we recently communicated, the federal school meal waivers will no longer be available for the 2022-23 school year. This means a return to paid meals beginning August 16 for students who do not qualify for Free or Reduced Meals benefits.

What’s Next for Families?

  • Meals will no longer be free. They will be charged based on Free, Reduced, and Paid Meal eligibility. Money can be added to student accounts using School Cafe, www.schoolcafe.com/JeffcoSD    
  • Families need to complete a free and reduced meal application on School Café. Completing an application is one of the ways to be considered eligible for free or reduced price meals. Applications opened July 1 so please take action.
    • Log in to School Café or set up a new School Café account by viewing these instructions (you will need an account, and may not complete an application as a "Guest").
    • Complete your free and reduced meal application.
    • While online applications are preferred, paper applications are also available (July 1 and after) at your student's school or the Food & Nutrition Services Office located at 809 Quail St., Building 1, Lakewood.
    • Families who are enrolled in SNAP, TANF, the Migrant Education Program, or other qualifying assistance program might be directly certified for free meals in Jeffco. This information is automatically transferred to Jeffco Public Schools for school meal eligibility. 
       
  • Families not eligible for free and reduced lunch will begin paying for meals using their school café account or pay cash.
    • If your student gets a school meal, the account will be charged. The school does not deny a student a meal. You can set up your student’s school meal account through School Café.
    • Meal prices will cost the following:
      • Elementary Breakfast: $2.00
      • Secondary Breakfast: $2.25
      • Elementary Lunch: $3.25
      • Secondary Lunch: $3.50
      • Adult Lunch: $4.25
      • Milk Only: $1.00

What Will Meal Service Look Like in 2022-23? 

  • Students will come through the line and eat in the cafeteria.
  • Students will use their PIN (Student ID Number) when receiving meals and a la carte items.
  • Please make sure your student knows his/her Student ID Number.
  • Menus will be posted on www.SchoolCafe.com.
  • On School Café, you may also place restrictions on your student's account regarding what they may purchase as a la carte and/or how frequently they may do so.
  • Product and labor shortages may continue to affect menu items and availability.

Benefits of Completing an Application:

  • Schools receive important funding and resources based on the number of free and reduced applications.
  • School fee reductions
    • While fee waivers or reductions in fees will vary from school to school, the following fees can be waived or reduced, based on Free and Reduced Lunch eligibility:
      • Transportation
      • Technology
      • Outdoor Lab
      • Field Trips
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