Did you know your child could qualify for free or reduced-price school meals? Applications are now open for the 2020-2021 school year! This year’s program includes free or reduced-price meals from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021.
How to Qualify
Families qualify for the program based on the size of their household and income. To qualify, household income needs to be less than or equal to federal guidelines. Please see below.
Free Eligibility Scale for Breakfast, Lunch, and Milk
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice Per Month | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
| 1 | $ 16,588 | $ 1,383 | $ 692 | $ 638 | $ 319 |
| 2 | $ 22,412 | $ 1,868 | $ 934 | $ 862 | $ 431 |
| 3 | $ 28,236 | $ 2,353 | $ 1,177 | $ 1,086 | $ 543 |
| 4 | $ 34,060 | $ 2,839 | $ 1,420 | $ 1,310 | $ 655 |
| 5 | $ 39,884 | $ 3,324 | $ 1,662 | $ 1,534 | $ 767 |
| 6 | $ 45,708 | $ 3,809 | $ 1,905 | $ 1,758 | $ 879 |
| 7 | $ 51,532 | $ 4,295 | $ 2,148 | $ 1,982 | $ 991 |
| 8 | $ 57,356 | $ 4,780 | $ 2,390 | $ 2,206 | $ 1,103 |
| For each additional family member, add: | $ 5,824 | $ 486 | $ 243 | $ 224 | $ 112 |
Reduced-Price Eligibility Scale for Breakfast, Lunch, and Milk
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice Per Month | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
| 1 | $ 23,606 | $ 1,968 | $ 984 | $ 908 | $ 454 |
| 2 | $ 31,894 | $ 2,658 | $ 1,329 | $ 1,227 | $ 614 |
| 3 | $ 40,182 | $ 3,349 | $ 1,675 | $ 1,546 | $ 773 |
| 4 | $ 48,470 | $ 4,040 | $ 2,020 | $ 1,865 | $ 933 |
| 5 | $ 56,758 | $ 4,730 | $ 2,365 | $ 2,183 | $ 1,092 |
| 6 | $ 65,046 | $ 5,421 | $ 2,711 | $ 2,502 | $ 1,251 |
| 7 | $ 73,334 | $ 6,112 | $ 3,056 | $ 2,821 | $ 1,411 |
| 8 | $ 81,622 | $ 6,802 | $ 3,401 | $ 3,140 | $ 1,570 |
| For each additional family member, add: | $ 8,288 | $ 691 | $ 346 | $ 319 | $ 160 |
How to Apply
All DUSD households will receive a letter with more information about this program along with an application and instructions on how to apply.
Each household only needs to fill out one application for all of their children attending DUSD. Applications can be turned in to the Food Service Office at 11627 Brookshire Ave., Downey, 90241. For a simple and secure method to apply, use our online application at www.schoollunchapp.com. After applying, Food Services will let you know if you were approved by mail.
Applications are accepted throughout the school year to account for changes in family income and household growth. If you are not eligible now but become eligible later in the year, you are encouraged to apply. Changes that affect eligibility could be a drop in income, an increase in your household size, or a household member receiving CalFresh, CalWORKS, or FDPIR.
Reapply Every Year
If your child received free or reduced-price meals last year, you will still need to apply for the new year.
Students who qualified last year will continue to receive free or reduced-price meals for up to 30 days or until Food Services processes your new application. Temporary eligibility expires on September 25, 2020. After those 30 days, your child will need to pay full price for meals unless you receive a notification letter for free or reduced-price meals. The Food Service Office does not have to send a reminder or expired eligibility notices, so please remember to reapply and keep track of your child’s status.
Meal Distribution Centers
Though we return to school remotely this fall, our commitment to our students’ nutrition remains a priority. That’s why school meals will still be available by pick-up through our meal distribution centers. More details about the distribution centers are coming soon.
Follow us on Facebook and visit DUSDeats.com to check for updates.