Free and reduced-price meals are available to students whose family income meets criteria established by the federal government. To qualify, the parent or adult household members must complete the appropriate forms.  The new application must be turned in every year and turned in within the first 30 days of school or sooner.  Additional copies are available at the schools or at the Board of Education (828) 766-2220.  It is never "too late" to apply for free/reduced meals.  If there are changes in your family's income whether loss of job, decrease in pay, or an increase in your household size, then by all means contact the Child Nutrition Office or school cafeteria manager, to get a current application.  A new household application must be completed and processed each school year.  

Free & Reduced Meal Benefit Application-  APPLY ONLINE AT:

Titan Online Free and Reduced Application

Titan Online Meal Payment 

Verification of Free & Reduced Eligibility 

Each year Child Nutrition Services is required to verify the incomes or other eligibility information provided on a sample of the applications for meals.  CNS selects a focused sample of applications; this is about 1% of the applications on file.  If your application is selected, you will receive a letter notifying you that your application has been selected for verification.  You will then have three weeks to provide proof of the information, which qualifies your child for meal benefits.  If no proof of eligibility is received, the meal benefits will be terminated.  Verification is a federal government requirement for receiving federal reimbursement for meals served.