Application for Educational Benefits
-
Students will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day under Minnesota's Free School Meals program. However, it is critical that all families complete an Application for Educational Benefits each school year.
Click here to apply online
Application for Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child's school receive for educational programs, supports and technology. Additionally, eligible families and students can qualify for these benefits.
-
Education Benefits Discounts for Families
- Amazon - 50% off Amazon Prime Membership
- Xcel Energy’s Income-Qualified Home Energy Saving Program - Free advice and energy-saving improvements, including weatherization and replacement of your older appliances for newer models.
- Minnesota Children’s Museum - Discounted tickets and membership
- Science Museum of Minnesota - $15/yr membership for two adults and all dependents under 21. Includes free admission, Omnitheather movies, and parking. Discounts on summer camps and the Explore Store gift shop.
- Metro Transit’s Transit Assistance Program (TAP) - $1 rides for all household members
- Xfinity Internet Essentials - $10/mo high speed internet
- Affordable Connectivity Program - Up to $30/month towards broadband service and a one time reimbursement of up to $100 for a device (i.e tablet, laptop). Through approved providers only.
- The Minnesota Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) - TAP is a bill credit of $10 monthly for landline service and LL is a bill credit of up to $9.25 monthly on either landlines, cell phones or broadband internet service.
- The Works Museum - Discounted admission, memberships and camp scholarships.
- Guthrie Theater Gateway Program - Up to four tickets per production for $5 each
- Bell Museum Curiosity Membership - $15/yr membership for two adults and all dependents under 21 within one household. Unlimited free gallery admission, $2 planetarium tickets, early access to summer camp programs, and pre-qualification to apply for camp scholarship lottery.
- Many summer camps and programs, child care providers and athletic programs offer scholarships or discounts to families who qualify for free or reduced eligibility.
Benefits for Students
- ACT and SAT testing fee waivers
- Athletic fee discounts
- Scholarship opportunities
-
Here are some free and reduced meal application frequently asked questions.
-
How to apply for free or reduced-price lunch
- Applications can be completed
- online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/spps. (Video Link: SchoolCafe Eligibility Walkthrough For Parents)
- Paper applications are also available in the main office of your child’s school, or can be mailed to your home by request by calling Nutrition Services at 651-603-4950.
- Families who are automatically approved (or “directly certified”) to receive free lunch benefits do not need to fill out an application.
- Families are encouraged to complete applications by December 15 each school year, but applications can be completed at any time of the year.
- Applications can be completed
-
Who to contact with additional questions
- To request or submit an application, or check eligibility status, please contact Nutrition Services at 651-603-4950 or ns@spps.org.
- To discuss eligibility status and payment plans, please contact Lynn Broberg at 651-523-6325 or lynn.broberg@spps.org.
- For other questions or assistance, please contact the Nutrition Services office at 651-603-4950 or ns@spps.org.
Stacy Koppen, Director of Nutrition Services, can be reached at 651-603-4945 or stacy.koppen@spps.org.