Students from families whose income is below designated levels and foster children are eligible for free meals or meals at a reduced rate. The Lunch Cashier System allows the Lawrence Public Schools' food service department to manage the application process and establish family accounts accordingly in compliance with federal regulations.
To determine if a family qualifies, the family must complete an application. One application per family is necessary and may be completed any time during the year. If a family participated in this program in the past, a new application must be completed each year.
Parents/guardians are responsible for ALL CHARGES until the application has been APPROVED by the food services office.
Children eligibile for free or reduced price Child Nutrition Program meal benefits may also qualify for optional benefits.
The application may be downloaded from our web site at the bottom of this page.
Applications will be available at the office of each school at enrollment time or by contacting the food services office at 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, KS 66044-1063 or by phoning 832-5000.The application information is kept confidential.
Free and Reduced FAQs
1. Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No. Complete one application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to: Food Services Office, 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence KS 66044.
2. Who can receive free meals?
Your child can get free meals if your household income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines. Also, free meals are available to most foster children and to children in households receiving benefits from Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance to Families (TAF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
3. Can homeless, runaway and migrant children get free meals?
If you have not been informed that your child will get free meals, please call Ellen Willets, Lawrence Public Schools' homeless liaison.
4. I got a letter saying my children are approved for free meals for this school year. Should I fill out an application?
Please carefully read the letter you got and follow the instructions. Call the school at the number listed above if you have questions.
5. Who can receive reduced-price meals?
Your child can receive low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Income Chart on the reverse side of this letter.
6. I receive WIC (Women, Infants and Children) benefits. Can my child get free meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for reduced price or free meals. Please fill out an application.
7. Will the information I give be checked?
Yes, we may ask you to send written proof of the information you give.
8. If I don't qualify now, may I apply later?
You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start getting Food Stamps, TAF or other benefits. If you lose your job, your child may be able to get reduced price or free meals.
9. What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application?
You should talk to a school official. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to:
Kathy Johnson, Division Director of Finance 110 McDonald Drive, Lawrence KS 6604, (785) 832-5000.
10. May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?
You or your child do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify your child to receive reduced price or free meals.
11. Who should I include as members of my household?
Include yourself, all children who live with you and all other people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends).
12. What if my income is not always the same?
List the amount that you normally receive BEFORE deductions. For example, if you normally receive $1,000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1,000 per month. If you are normally paid for overtime, include it.
The application may be downloaded from our Website.
You must fill out a new free and reduced application every year.