The free and reduced lunch application can be confusing for families.
Nutrition Services Director for Lincoln Public Schools, Andrew Ashelford, says it’s a process that needs to be completed yearly with some nuances. But for many families, free/reduced lunch can help reduce stress and provide some cost savings.
“Free/reduced application can lead to potential other benefits, such as potential fee waivers. Middle school kids and high school kids probably have the potential for most of the fee waivers. But that could be band instruments, athletic passes, stuff like that.”
Families are encouraged to fill out the application online, as it’s the fastest and easiest method. Online, parents are walked through all the necessary information. Paper applications are available at all LPS schools. The main information Ashelford said parents will need are, “Family size is very important and also wages. So we want to make sure that the families have their income information. The application will ask their frequency of payment, such as if they get paid annually, monthly, twice per month, every two weeks or weekly, and then also the amount of money they receive in those time frames.”
“And if their situation changes, such as losing a job or having another child, they can fill it out again,” added Ashelford.
To begin your online application, go to: lps.org.