Free and Reduced Meal Information FAQ

Healthy meals are essential for students to succeed in school. The Marshfield R-I School District offers free or reduced-price meals for eligible students through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.

Families are encouraged to submit a Free and Reduced Meal Application each school year. Even if you do not believe your family will qualify, completing the application helps the district establish proof of hardship and may help secure additional state funding for important programs, including preschool.

Students who qualify may also receive reduced rates for Jay Care and activity fees.

How to Apply

Families can submit an application in the following ways:

Online:
Log into the Parent Portal and navigate to:
More → Meal Benefits

Paper Application:
Paper forms are available at all Marshfield school building offices.

If your household situation changes during the year (such as job loss or a change in household size), you may submit a new application at any time with updated information.

I received a letter stating my children are already approved for free meals. Do I still need to apply?

No. However, please check the letter to ensure all eligible children are listed.

If any children are missing, contact:
(417) 859-2120 ext. 0
marshfieldr1@mjays.us

My child qualified last year. Do I need to apply again?

Yes. A new application must be submitted each school year, unless you receive a notice stating otherwise.

Does receiving WIC qualify my child for free meals?

Participation in WIC does not automatically qualify a child, but households receiving WIC may still qualify. Please complete an application.

Will the information I provide be verified?

The district may request written proof of household income to verify eligibility.

Can I apply later if my situation changes?

Yes. Families may apply at any time during the school year, especially if:

Household income decreases
A family member becomes unemployed
Household size changes

What if I disagree with the decision on my application?

You may request a hearing by contacting the Marshfield R-I School District Superintendent.

(417) 859-2120 ext. 0
marshfieldr1@mjays.us

Can I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Citizenship status does not affect eligibility.

What if my household income fluctuates?

Report the income you normally receive. For example, if you typically earn $1,000 per month but occasionally earn less, report $1,000.

What if some household members have no income?

If a household member has no income, write “0” in the income field.

We are a military family. How should we report income?

Include:

Basic pay
Cash bonuses
Cash allowances for off-base housing, food, or clothing

Do not include:

Housing allowances from the Military Housing Privatization Initiative
Combat pay received during deployment

What if there is not enough space on the application?

List additional household members on a separate sheet of paper and attach it to the application.

Are there other assistance programs available?

For information about SNAP or other assistance programs, contact the Missouri Department of Social Services.

1-855-373-4636

Can I apply online?

Yes. Applications can be submitted through the Parent Portal.

For assistance: