Free/Reduced Lunch
Resources
- Printable Lunch Application
- Online Lunch Application Instructions
- How Reimbursable Lunch Works
- Summer Food Benefit
Printable Lunch Application
Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, use the Household Eligibility Application, which can be printed and turned into your child's school or the Palos 118 Central Office.
Online Lunch Application Instructions
If you believe you are eligible for free/reduced lunch benefits, you will need to complete the online application. Depending on household income and number of people in your household your student may be eligible to receive free or reduced priced lunch benefits through the National School Lunch Program. If you wish to apply for these benefits and have not recently received a letter confirming your direct certification, you will need to submit an application. Note that there will be an application in your application history. This application is automatically generated for the normal lunch pricing and can be ignored.
To submit an application, login into the Skyward Parent Access and Foodservice module. Once there, select any student on your account from the red text drop down menu near the top of the page.
Then you must click on the Applications tab. You cannot access an application from the All Student tab, you must select a student. Once an application is submitted for a student on your account it will apply to all students in your household.
On the next window, you will need to click Add Application.
Please read the directions and follow the online prompts to complete the application. Paper applications are also available at the Central Administration office at 8800 West 119th Street, Palos Park. If you have any questions please contact the district office at 448-4800.
How Reimbursable Lunch Works
If your family qualifies for the free or reduced lunch program, here is a brief review of how the program works.
In some instances many families whose students qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch have been charged for meals because their child has not selected all the components of a reimbursable meal.
For a meal to be eligible for a free or reduced rate, students must choose 3 full portions of the 5 meal components offered, with at least one choice being a fruit or vegetable.
If your student does not select all 3 of the components of a free meal, the cost of the entrée gets charged to your family's school account.
The 5 food group selections offered each day include:
- milk
- fruit
- vegetable
- meat/or protein (or an approved meat alternative)
- whole grain
As an example, a student might choose a chicken sandwich—which counts as a protein and grain—and a whole apple as a reimbursable meal.
If a student chooses only the sandwich and milk, this would not be a reimbursable meal until the student also selects a serving of a fruit or vegetable.
To help educate students at each school, the District and food service provider Aramark have signage posted in the lunch service line which illustrates the correct components of food from each group that should be selected for each meal to qualify as a free/reduced price lunch.
The District asks that parents review with their student the correct number of selections from each food group to select in order for them to receive their free lunch (Please see the info graphic provided by Aramark below that explains the process.)
If you have further questions, please contact Kathy Pagoria in the District Business Office at kpagoria@palos118.org.
Reimbursable Lunch
Summer Food Benefit
Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a new permanent nutrition program authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer.
SUN Bucks will provide a $120 annual benefit to eligible children via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) issuance by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) during the summer.
To learn more please see the sections below which includes:
- a Fact Sheet overview of the program
- a section for families who already qualify for free or reduced lunch
- and a section that explains how families can apply for this benefit
Sun Bucks Summer Food Benefit Program
Fact Sheet
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a new permanent nutrition program authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. SUN Bucks 2024 will provide a $120 annual benefit to eligible children via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) issuance by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) later this summer. More basic information on the new federal program is available on the USDA website at www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/household. Illinois is one of 36 states that have announced their intent to launch Summer EBT in summer 2024.
Is my child eligible?
Your child is eligible for SUN Bucks if:
• Your child is identified as direct certified due to participation in SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid (185% of the federal poverty guideline), or is identified as foster, homeless, or migrant.
• Your child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP), and your household income meets the requirements for free or reduced- price school meals. (A household can complete a Household Eligibility Application (HEA) at schools participating in NSLP/SBP at any point during the school year. Contact your school for an HEA.)
How do I enroll my child in SUN Bucks?
If your household has already been notified of automatic eligibility, your child will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. You do not need to fill out an application. You will get a card in the mail sent to the address your child’s school has on file. (Households are encouraged to ensure that the enrolling school has your current mailing address.) If you are not automatically enrolled and believe your children are eligible, you can apply to receive SUN Bucks by filling out a simple application. A statewide Summer EBT application will be made available after the school year has ended. More details will be shared once they are available.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Your school can assist you with basic questions about Summer EBT. However, households should visit the DHS website (www.dhs.state.il.us/) for information about Illinois Summer EBT. IDHS will be setting
up a customer help line at (833) 621-0737 to assist families. The agency will be able to assist with such things as the card distribution timeline, usage, allowable expenses, and lost or misplaced cards.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that
administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Automatic Eligibility
If your student(s) currently receives free school lunch and has been identified as automatically eligible to receive SUN Bucks for summer, then no further action is needed by the household to determined eligibility.
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a new permanent nutrition program authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. SUN Bucks 2024 will provide a $120 annual benefit to eligible children, via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) issuance by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) later this summer. More basic information on the new federal program is available on the USDA website at www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/household. Illinois is one of 36 states that have announced their intent to launch Summer EBT in summer 2024.
Is my child eligible?
Your child is eligible for SUN Bucks if:
• Your child is identified as direct certified due to participation in SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid (185% of the federal poverty guideline), or be identified as foster, homeless, or migrant.
• Your child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP), and your household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals. (A household can complete a Household Eligibility Application (HEA) at schools that participate in NSLP/SBP at any point during the school year. Contact your school for an HEA.)
How do I enroll my child in SUN Bucks?
If your household has already been notified of automatic eligibility, your child will be automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. You do not need to fill out an application. You will get a card in the mail sent to the address your child's school has on file. (Households are encouraged to ensure that the enrolling school has your current mailing address.) If you are not automatically enrolled and believe your child is eligible, you can apply to receive SUN Bucks by filling out a simple application. A statewide Summer EBT application will be made available after the school year has ended. More details will be shared once they are available.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Your school can assist you with basic questions about Summer EBT. However, households should visit the DHS website (www.dhs.state.il.us/) for information about Illinois Summer EBT specific information. DHS will be setting up a customer help line at (833) 621-0737 to assist families regarding card distribution and usage. They will be able to assist with such things as the card distribution timeline, allowable expenses, and lost or misplaced cards.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or - fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Application Information
If your student(s) has NOT been identified as automatically eligible to receive SUN Bucks for the summer and if you believe you may be eligible, your household will need to submit a Summer EBT application to determine if your student is eligible.
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a new permanent nutrition program authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. SUN Bucks 2024 will provide a $120 annual benefit to eligible children, via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) issuance by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) later this summer. More basic information on the new federal program is available on the USDA website at www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/household. Illinois is one of 36 states that have announced their intent to launch Summer EBT in summer 2024.
How do I enroll my child in SUN Bucks?
To be eligible, a child must be identified as direct certified due to participation in SNAP, TANF, income-eligible Medicaid (185% of the federal poverty guideline), or be identified as foster, homeless, migrant or be approved income eligible by submitting a program application. Work with your student’s enrolling eligible school through the end of the school year to complete and submit either the Household Eligibility Application for school meals benefits or the Household and Income Form for eligibility determination. A statewide Summer EBT application will be made available after the school year has ended. More details will be shared once they are available. Households are encouraged to ensure that the enrolling school has your current mailing address.
Who should I contact if I have a question?
Your school can assist you with basic questions about Summer EBT. However, households should visit the DHS website (www.dhs.state.il.us/) for information about Illinois Summer EBT. IDHS will be setting up a customer help line at (833) 621-0737 to assist families. The agency will be able to assist with such things as the card distribution timeline, usage, allowable expenses, and lost or misplaced cards.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or - fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.