For our children, our community, our world, our future

CHENEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

12414 S. ANDRUS RD., CHENEY, WA   99004

(509) 559-4506 * FAX 559-4980

www.cheneysd.org

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Children need healthy meals to learn. The Cheney School District offers healthy meals every school day.  In order for Cheney School District’s Nutrition Services Department to offer free or reduced meals to your students you must complete a new application each school year.  You can apply online through your Skyward Family Access account or fill out a paper application and return it to your school or the district office.

Online applications are the preferred way to apply as we are able to process these applications much quicker.  Once logged in to your Skyward Family Access account, please follow the directions below.  If you do not have a Skyward Family Access account or do not remember your password please contact your school secretary and they will be able to help you.

Online Applications:

1. Select the "Food Service" tab.
2. Select one of your students' names, it doesn't matter which one (this must be done or the "add application" link will not appear).
3. Select "Applications"
4. Select "Add Application" (you only need to fill out one application per household so make sure you list all household members here.)
5. Complete information and then click "Submit".
6. No Submit button available - Check errors listed at the top of the application.  If the household number does not match, this normally is because the person signing the application listed their name differently then what was listed on the application under household members (middle initial, period after middle initial, etc.).

Commonly asked questions:  

1. What are the prices of meals for the 2020-2021 school year?

2. Do students who qualify for reduced meals need to pay a co-pay?

 The 2021 WA State Legislature approved HB 1342 eliminating reduced price lunch copays for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. The Superintendent of Public Instruction must allocate funding for this purpose. Therefore, beginning with school year 2021-2022, public schools will no longer charge reduced-price students for lunch. If you have any questions regarding this change, please call LJ Klinkenberg, Nutrition Services Director, at 559-4506.

3. Do I need to fill out an application for each child?

No. Complete one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to your child’s school or the Nutrition Services Department which is located at 12414 S. Andrus Rd., Cheney.

4. Who can qualify for free meals?

Children in households getting Basic Food, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Food Distribution on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and most foster children can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, your children can get free meals if your household income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines.

5. Who can qualify for reduced meals?

Your child(ren) can receive reduced price meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Income Chart, shown on the free and reduced price application.

6. Should I fill out an application if the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has notified me saying my child(ren) is eligible for free meals?

No. A letter will be sent with your child stating that you have been automatically qualified for free meals before October 1st. If you have any further questions, please call LJ Klinkenberg, Nutrition Services Director, at 559-4506.

7. Will the information I give be checked?

Yes, we may ask you to send written proof, through the verification process.

8. If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later?

Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start receiving Basic Food, TANF or other benefits. If you lose your job, your child(ren) may be able to get free or reduced price meals.

9. May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. Citizen?

Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for free or reduced price meals.

10. Who should I include as members of my household?

You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends). You must include yourself and all children who live with you.

11. What if my income is not always the same?

List the amount that you normally get. For example, if you normally get $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but not if you get it only sometimes.

12. We are in the military, do we include our housing allowance as income?

If your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. All other allowances must be included in your gross income.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TTY). “USDA is an equal opportunity employer”.