You can also ask for one at any time from the school office, because if your income goes down during the year, your child may become eligible. If you do not receive CalWORKs or food stamps, you will have to list the total income of your household, the names of household members, and the Social Security number of the adult signing the application. You are not required to apply for a number or give a reason for not having one. All information on the application is confidential. If the information you give on the application shows that you qualify, your child can begin receiving free or reduced-price meals immediately.
Foster children are often eligible for free meals, regardless of the foster parents' income.
Reduced-prices are set by the school district, but the law states that breakfast cannot cost more than 30 cents and lunch not more than 40 cents for reduced price meals. The district can charge whatever it wants for full price meals. At many schools, pregnant and breastfeeding students who remain in school can get extra food at breakfast or lunch, or get an extra snack. To be eligible, the student must provide some written verification that she is pregnant or breastfeeding from a doctor, nurse, midwife, clinic, WIC or Cal-Learn program. Child Care Food Program Family day care homes, homeless shelters, and child care centers can receive government funds to help pay for meals and snacks for children.