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Committed to providing quality nutritious
meals to every student.
  
 

 

MealPayPlus allows you to go online and manage your student's meal account. MealPayPlus allows you to make deposits and create settings to auto-replenish your account or receive free reminders when the balance is low.


 
 
 
 
FREE AND REDUCED FAQ’S

Where can I get a free and reduced meal application?

  • Students who participated in the free and reduced lunch program the prior school year will receive a new application in the mail.
  • Applications are available at the schools main office and / or the Food and Nutrition Office.

Can anyone apply for the program?

  • Households with children 21 years of age or under enrolled in Manatee County Public School are eligible.

Who is eligible to receive free or reduced meals?

  • Students can be approved to receive free or reduced meals based on household income.
  • Foster children are eligible for free meals.
  • Students living in a household receiving food stamps are eligible to receive free meals.
  • Students who qualify for the Migrant Program or Project Heart are eligible to receive free meals.

What is Project Heart?

  • A program designed to assist children who are in temporary or transitional living arrangements.

How will I be notified if I am approved for the program?

  • A notification letter stating your lunch status will be sent to your home by the Food and Nutrition Office.
    Note: be sure all address changes have been updated at your child’s school to insure proper notification

How many applications do I need to complete?

  • Complete one application per household.
  • Foster children are categorically eligible for free meals. They can be part of the family application.

What is a “temporary status”?

  • Applications that show zero household income are temporarily approved for a 45-day period only.  A new application must be submitted after 45 days.
  • Students who received free or reduced price meals during the last school year will have 30 days from the beginning of the next school year to reapply.

Is there a deadline for me to apply?

  • Free and reduced meal applications can be submitted and processed anytime during the school year.

Are Spanish applications available?

  • Yes, Spanish applications are available in both the schools and the Food and Nutrition Office.

Am I responsible to pay for school meals once I complete an application?

  • Parents are responsible to provide funds for all meals received until application has been approved.

Directions to Food and Nutrition Services Office
Professional Support Center
2501 63rd Avenue East
Bradenton, Florida 34203

Resources For Families
Information on Food Stamps and other federally assisted programs, National School Breakfast, Lunch and Summer Programs

Please feel free to contact at the Food and Nutrition Office if you have any questions.

ELZY GARCIA
(941) 751-6550 EXT. 2131
SANDRA FORD
(941) 751-6550 EXT. 2130
SUSAN REEDY
(941) 751-6550 EXT. 2133
 

 
2501 63rd Avenue East
Bradenton, Florida 34203
Phone: 941.751.6550
Fax:  941.751.7373
 

 
  
   
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).   USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.