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Jul 22, 2025

It’s More than a School Meal Application

All students at Minnesota public schools currently receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of family income, no application needed. What a time and money saver for families!

While no longer needed for school meals, the Application for Students Benefits is used for so much more than just certifying students for free or reduced-price school meals.

By submitting an application to their schools, families are helping their schools, and perhaps themselves, access other benefits:

  • SCHOOL FUNDING: May provide additional grant opportunities and state and federal funding for programs and services at our school.
  • ATHLETICS: May result in free or discounted fees to participate in activities.
  • INTERNET ACCESS: May qualify your family for discounted rates on home internet service.
  • ACADEMIC TESTS: May qualify you for reduced registration fees for AP, SAT and/or ACT tests. May also qualify you for discounted rates associated with college admissions.

Every eligible form counts and is important. Families that submit a school meal application help ensure that all students and their families can access benefits for which they qualify.

Schools can assure families that the applications are easy – and generally take less than 10 minutes. Only one application per family is needed and no Social Security number is required. The Minnesota Department of Education’s application webpage makes the application and explanatory materials available in multiple languages. 

Since families’ financial situation may change from year to year, every family should fill out a new application each school year.