It’s not just students who have to get back into a homework routine in the fall. The many forms that are sent home from school are homework for parents.
There is one form you don’t want to miss out on - the Free and Reduced Price Meal application. This form may allow your student to receive free breakfast and lunch at school. In Maryland, any student who qualifies for a reduced-price meal will receive a free meal. You can find your school district’s application here (scroll to the second table on the page).
The table below shows the 2024-2025 income limits for Maryland families of different sizes. So for example, a student from a family of four with an annual income of $57,720 or less will receive free school meals.
| Household Size |
Annual | Monthly | Twice per month |
Every Two Weeks |
Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,861 | $2,322 | $1,161 | $1,072 | $536 |
| 2 | $37,814 | $3,152 | $1,576 | $1,455 | $728 |
| 3 | $47,767 | $3,983 | $1,991 | $1,838 | $919 |
| 4 | $57,720 | $4,810 | $2,405 | $2,220 | $1,110 |
| 5 | $67,673 | $5,640 | $2,820 | $2,603 | $1,302 |
| 6 | $77,626 | $6,469 | $3,285 | $2,986 | $1,493 |
| 7 | $87,579 | $7,299 | $3,650 | $3,369 | $1,685 |
| 8 | $97,532 | $8,128 | $4,064 | $3,752 | $1,876 |
| For each additional family member add... |
$9,953 | $830 | $415 | $383 | $192 |
Filling out these forms has other benefits as well - many other community programs are available for families who qualify. All students who qualify for free or reduced price meals will receive SunBucks, which provides money for groceries over the summer. Additionally, eligible families may receive discounts on recreation programs, college applications, health insurance, or assistance with energy bills.
Once you fill out the form, you will receive a certification letter from your school. Keep this letter in a safe place so you can share it when registering for community programs (recreation programs, social assistance programs, etc).
Forms can be filled out at any time during the school year. So if you don’t qualify now, but your family’s income changes, fill out a form so your child can begin receiving free meals.
