Applications for Educational Benefits

The Application for Educational Benefits is a condfiential form that helps schools qualify for federal and state funding and determines eligibility for additional benefits for students and families.

The Application for Educational Benefits was formerly referred to as the Free / Reduced Lunch application.

Under the Minnesota's Free School Meals Program, students attending school in person receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day they attend.  Online School students are not eligible for the free breakfast or lunch.

Yes.  All families are encouraged to fill out a new application every school year unless you have received a Direct Certification notification letter from the SPPS district.

Applications help schools secure funding for educational programs and services.  They may also qualify eligible students and families for additional benefits, discounts and reduced fees.

You can apply anytime during the school year either online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/spps or by completing a paper application.  Applications are available in English, HMong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish.

Yes. Information provided on the application is kept confidential and is used only to determine eligibility for educational benefits and related programs. Schools do not share your personal information for immigration enforcement or other unrelated purposes.

Paper applications are available in several ways:

• Mailed to families before the start of the school year.
• Available in your child's school office.
• Upon request by contacting Nutrition Services at 651-603-4950 or ns@spps.org.

• Mail your completed application to Nutrition Services in the pre-addressed postage-paid return envelope. No postage stamp is needed to mail it back.
• Turn it in at your child’s school office.

If you receive a Direct Certification letter indicating that your child has been approved through one of these assistance programs Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Food Distribution Program for Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Medicaid, you do not need to complete an application unless you wish to report additional students not listed in the letter.

Families are encouraged to apply every school year. Many families are surprised to learn that they qualify. Completing an application is confidential, helps school funding, and may help your family qualify for additional benefits.

Families are encouraged to complete an application each school year. If you do not want to provide income information, check the “No, I do not want to apply” box on the application.

No. All in-person students receive one free breakfast and one free lunch for each school day regardless of the status of their application. However, completing an application helps schools receive funding and may qualify eligible families for additional benefits.

Select "Apply for Benefits (as a guest)" at SchoolCafe.com/SPPS.

Yes. Applications can be completed on a mobile device by going to https://www.schoolcafe.com/spps

No. Only one application per family or household is required. Be sure to include all SPPS District School students and all household members in the application.

Depending on your situation, the information needed is:

• Names of all Students attending SPPS Schools
• Names of Parents, guardians, other adults and other children in the family or household even if they do not attend SPPS District Schools
• Income information for household members
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), or Food Distribution Program for Indian Reservations (FDPIR) case numbers (if applicable)

Assistance is available through:

• Your school's main office
• School staff during open houses and enrollment events
• Nutrition Services at 651-603-4950 or ns@spps.org
• Language assistance is available for families who speak languages other than English

Families can provide information over the phone, but school staff will still need to mail the application home for a signature. A signature from an adult family or household member is required before the application can be processed.

Yes. Foster children may qualify for benefits even if the family or household does not otherwise qualify. Contact Nutrition Services if you have questions about including foster children on the application.

Most applications are processed within 10 business days on a first come first serve basis.  You will be notified of your eligibility status by mail once your application is processed.  To check the status of your application, contact Nutrition Services at 651-603-4950 or email ns@spps.org.

Your submitted application may be incomplete, needs clarification, or may have been lost in the mail. Contact Nutrition Services at 651-603-4950 or email to ns@spps.org to request a copy.

You are encouraged to submit a new application at any time when your family or household size or income changes, or if you begin receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), or Food Distribution Program for Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits.