Free and Reduced Meals
Free & Reduced Meal Information-
Online free and reduced meal applications are available online at PayPams. A new application must be completed each school year to qualify for free or reduced meals. Your child's eligibility status carries over to the new school year for the first 30 school days, allowing parents time to re-apply. Only one application per household should be submitted and everyone living in the house must be included in the application.
Applications are also available at the Madison County School System's Central Office after July 1st. You may request a paper application from your child's school office. Reminder: One application per family even if you have children attending different schools in our system. Your eligibility may be checked at any time during the school year. You may be asked to provide documentation to verify your income.
Complete 2024-2025 Application for Free & Reduced Meals 2024-2025 Formulario de Aplicar Para Las Comidas Escolares Gratis o a Precio Reducido
Download Frequently Asked Questions about the Free and Reduced Meals program
FRL Terms to Know-
Notification
Please allow 10 working days to process your application. You will receive a notification letter from the Central Office Child Nutrition Program office of your eligibility status.
Direct Certification
If you receive a letter stating you are free DCRT for this school year, you are not required to fill out an application.
Foster Children
A foster child living in your home qualifies for free meals regardless of your income. You may include all foster children on same application as the rest of your household.
New Students
New students will need to bring money for meals until their application is processed and approved.
Student Transfer
If a student transfers within the Madison County School System their eligibility will also transfer. A new application is not necessary.
Income Application
An income application must have a signature and last four (4) digits of the social security number of the parent/guardian. We cannot process your application without this information.
Confidentiality: All information is confidential and will only be used for the meal program, unless you request to release the information. Student computer accounts look identical to
cash paying students, so no one can tell what the status is of any student. We respect your privacy.
Contact Us-
Questions concerning free/reduced applications?
Lindsay Jones
lljones@mcssk12.org
256.852.2557 ext 61701
Helpful Links- PayPams-
Other Language Translations
Households may download these resources directly to be filled out and submitted to their local school district. In addition to these application forms, application instructions and a parent letter FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) may be accessed the following website: https://www.fns.
You may apply for school meals any time during the school year by submitting an application directly to your school. You may ask for an application any time during the school year. If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, all of your children who attend school automatically qualify for free school meals. Participation in other federal assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) also provides automatic eligibility. Please contact your school to determine if you need to fill out an application.