Free School Meals & Additional Household Support Programs
- Jennifer Flewelling
- Aug 23
- 2 min read
Dear Parent/Guardian,
All students in the State of Maine are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch each school day. There is no cost to families for these meals, regardless of household income or participation in other programs. Meals served in our schools meet the nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are designed to support student health and learning.
Although meals are provided free to all students, we strongly encourage families to complete the Household Income Application.
Completing this form helps ensure our district receives critical state and federal funding to support students—and it may also qualify your household for several valuable assistance programs, including:
• Home Energy Assistance (HEAP / LIHEAP): Helps eligible households pay for heating costs and may decrease your energy bills.
• Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP): Offers credits on electric bills for LIHEAP-eligible homes.
• Emergency Fuel or Crisis Assistance (ECIP): Provides help when facing a heating crisis.
• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) + Lifeline: Discounts your internet or phone bill—up to $30/month or up to $75 for Tribal households—and may include up to $100 toward a device.
If your family’s circumstances change—such as a decrease in income, increase in household size, job loss, or benefits like SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR—please update your application at any time to ensure eligibility for these and other supports.
All information provided is kept confidential and shared only with officials managing school nutrition, education, and assistance programs as permitted by law.
If your child has a disability, as determined by a licensed medical authority, that prevents them from eating the regular school meal, the school will provide a substitution prescribed by that authority—at no additional charge. Please contact the school for assistance with meal accommodations.
Thank you for supporting our school meal program and helping ensure every child in Maine has access to nutritious, healthy meals—and that families receive all the support they qualify for.
Thank you
David Vargas
Director of School Nutrition
