NYS-TEACHS
at Advocates for Children
151 West 30th Street
5th Floor
New York, NY 10001
TEL 800.388.2014
FAX 212.807.6872
Free Meals
All students need good nutrition in order to be ready to learn. Students in temporary housing are categorically eligible to receive free meals. Click the links below to learn more about free meals.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Find answers to commonly asked questions about free meals for students in temporary housing situations.
Resources
The Nutrition Consortium of New York State
The Nutrition Consortium of New York State has useful links and information about emergency food programs administered across the state.
The Food Resource Action Center (FRAC)
The Food Resource Action Center (FRAC) is a national organization that provides information about free school meals and related nutrition support programs for low income families and children.
Forms
Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application
The liaison can simply submit a letter to the Food Services director as discussed in the FAQs above, or the school district liaison can fill out the Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application on behalf of the family.Laws and Guidance
SED Guidance: 2007-08 Free and Reduced Price Income Eligibility and Policy Information [PDF]
Students who have been designated as homeless are categorically eligible for free meals offered by the school district. Please view page 12, Section P "Meal Eligibility for Homeless/Migrant/Runaway Children" for more detailed information regarding free meal eligibility for students experiencing homelessness.
July 2004 - USDA Guidance for Homeless Children in School Nutrition Programs[PDF]
April 2002 and August 1992 - USDA Guidance for Homeless Children in School Nutrition Programs [PDF]
Students who have been designated as homeless are categorically eligible for free meals offered by the school district. This guidance explains the process by which LEA liaisons apply for free meals on behalf of students in temporary housing in the district.