Free & Reduced Application

All families are encouraged to apply for Free or Reduced Price Meal Benefits each school year. This is a government-funded program to ensure all children receive nourishment during the school year. There are many ways in which to qualify for the program:

Income Application

An application is available to complete online. Details to do so are on this page. Also, a paper application will be sent home with your student at the beginning of the school year. If this is misplaced, an additional application may be picked up at the school office or at the school cafeteria. This application will be determined by household size and household income. Please complete only one application per family. Please provide all the information requested to ensure speedy approval. Missing information will delay benefits to your child.

Foster Family

Foster Children Eat for Free

A child in foster care, who is formally placed by a court or foster agency, can receive free school meals for the entire school year. If the school knows about your foster child, the child should already be getting free meals. If your foster child is not eating for free or you were not notified that they can receive free meals, you may apply for free school meals for your foster child at any time. Please mark the box indicated for a foster child on the family application.

Meals for Other Children in Your House

Foster parents who apply for school meals may include both a foster child and their other children on the same application. Including a foster child on the same application as your other children will increase your household size, which may help your other children qualify for free school meals. Your foster child will also qualify for free school meals if your other children already qualifies.

When a Foster Child Moves

If your family moves or your foster child moves, they can still get free school meals. If you are in the same school district, you do not have to do anything for your foster child to continue receiving free school meals. If you move to another school district, your foster child can still get free meals, but you may need to reapply to continue or start school meal benefits. If your foster child stops getting free meals when you move, please contact the school office as soon as possible.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Migrant Child

Homeless or Runaway

Online Application

Step 1 - Register for SchoolCafe account

Step 2- Apply online through SchoolCafe

Step 3- You're done!

Paper Application

Paper applications for the 2022-23 school year are now available here. You can also pick one up at your school front office or the district front office. Once the form is completed, it should be mailed or delivered to the Liberty Elementary School District Office at 19871 W. Fremont Rd. Buckeye, AZ 85326.

The packet includes an application for free or reduced-price meal benefits, a set of detailed instructions, and some common questions and answers to help you with the application process.

2023-24 Parent Letter

2023-24 Carta a los padres

Instructions for Applying

English instructions

Instrucciones para aplicar

Download the Application

2023-24 Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals

Solicitud 2023-2024 para Comida Escolar Gratis y de Precio Reducido

Note: All applications are dealt with in a confidential manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm approved for free and reduced benefits? Now what?

How long do my educational benefits last?

Once you apply, your household’s benefits last for the entire school year.
You may be randomly selected to verify the income information on the application. Benefits will carry over 30 days into the following school year as a buffer. However, you MUST REAPPLY every school year to receive educational benefits.

REMINDER: You may apply/reapply for benefits at any point during the school year due to change in income/employment or household size (death, divorce, birth, adoption, student moves out, etc).

How do I apply for educational benefits?

How will I find out if I am approved?

If I qualify for educational benefits, do I qualify for other assistance?

Yes! Besides qualifying for free or reduced prices on delicious and nutritious school meals, you also qualify for other educational benefits:

P-EBT: Eligibility to receive Pandemic EBT
School Funding: Maintains funding for student programs and services
Academic Tests: Reduced registration fees for AP, SAT, and/or ACT tests
Athletics: Free or discounted fees to participate in most sports
College Application Fees: Discounted rates on fees associated with applying for college
Internet Access: Eligible for discounted rates on internet services

Do I need to reapply if I received educational benefits last year?

Yes. All families in the district are asked to complete the educational benefits application, regardless of income or eligibility. Applications for Educational Benefits are approved annually.

If your family was approved in the 2019-20 school year, you will need to reapply to ensure no disruption of meal benefits for the 2020-21 school year.
NOTE: If at any time during the school year your family income status changes (e.g. laid-off, furlough, government shutdown, seasonal work) you are encouraged to complete an application for educational benefits. Once approved, they are in place for the remainder of the school year, regardless of income status.

Will my personal information be shared?

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Contact Information

Food Services Office
(623) 474-6649

Fax Line
(623) 474-6669

Lorena Gallegos
lgallegos@liberty25.org
(623) 474-6641

it's more than a meal

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