Submitting an application helps to maintain school funding for student programs and services, as well as provide student discounts on state educational fees, internet access and college application fees.

Only families with students attending Clark Montessori High School, Clifton Area Neighborhood School, Fairview-Clifton German Language School, Hyde Park School, Kilgour School, Sands Montessori School, School for Creative and Performing Arts, Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students, Walnut Hills High School and the former Bramble Elementary School are required to fill out an application to receive free meals. Students attending all other schools automatically qualify to receive free meals. Families attending all other schools are still encouraged to fill out an application to receive other benefits through the application.

Federal guidelines require a new application each year. If students have been pre-approved through direct certification, they will receive written notification through the mail from Student Dining Services.

No, only one application is needed per household. However, the family must include all of the children in their household (even if they don't attend Cincinnati Public Schools) on the application and indicate the schools they attend.

Questions about filling out the application? Call (513) 363-0800, or stop by the Student Dining Services Department, 2315 Iowa Ave., 2nd Floor (45206).

The new applications use a specific ink that is read by the scanner, so applications must be submitted on the official form with the original signature of the person filling out the form.

As a result, Student Dining Services is unable to process applications over the phone, or receive them via email or fax. Application forms should be returned to the child's school, or mailed or hand-delivered to CPS Student Dining Services Dept., 2315 Iowa Ave., 2nd Floor, Cincinnati, OH 45206.

Applications are available in English and Spanish.

Parents who do not speak English or Spanish and need help completing the application should contact CPS' Welcome Center for English-Language Learners (ELL) for assistance: (513) 363-3251.

Beginning of the School Year — A family must complete a new application by October 1 each school year.

Students who attended Cincinnati Public Schools and participated in the free or reduced-price lunch program during the previous school year may continue that status for the first 30 days of the new school year, or until a new lunch application is approved.

Students new to Cincinnati Public Schools pay for lunches until applications are completed.

After a new application is approved, benefits begin immediately. However, parents are responsible for the cost of the meals while applications are being processed.

If a new application is not submitted by October 1, federal regulations require that the family pays for children's lunches until a current application is completed and approved.

If parents submit a new application and their new income exceeds the allowed amount, or if their income is not verified, students are immediately placed in the appropriate status — either Reduced or Paid. When changes occur throughout the year, there is a four-day grace period so that the notification has time to reach the parents.

Student Dining Services mails applications before the start of school to all registered students. Two follow-up notices are sent home with all elementary students notifying parents who have not submitted new applications.

Paid meals will be $1.75 at elementary schools and $2.00 at secondary schools.