Hello Team Duval families,
This is a friendly reminder that today, Monday, Sept. 22, is the final day that lunch will be universally provided at no cost for students attending one of the district’s 37 non-Community Eligibility Provision (non-CEP) schools.
Beginning tomorrow, students at non-CEP schools will be charged for meals unless:
They have an approved application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals on file, or
They received a letter stating their child was “Directly Certified” through the Florida Direct Certification System (no application required).
Free and Reduced-Price Meals applications available year-round
If you have not yet applied and believe you may qualify, please submit your application as soon as possible. Applications are available in both English and Spanish on the district's website.
Please allow 10 business days for a new application to be processed. After today, a student will pay full price until a meal eligibility determination is made.
Paying for school lunch meals
Payment for meals and à la carte options can be made by the following:
Cash at the point of sale.
Create an account on MYSCHOOLBUCKS to add money via credit/debit card. Please note there is a processing charge from the vendor.
“No Lunch Money” procedure
We understand that providing daily meals can sometimes be a challenge for families. Be assured that no child will ever be denied a meal. Through our “No Lunch Money” procedure, students who are unable to pay or who have a negative balance will always receive a substitute meal.
If a student reaches the maximum negative balance (-$4.00 for elementary; -$4.25 for secondary) they will receive a non-reimbursable “substitute meal” at no charge.
Students will continue to receive this substitute meal until their account balance is cleared or cash is provided for lunch.
Reminders
Students at CEP schools will continue receiving free lunch.
Breakfast will continue to be offered free of charge to all students, regardless of school.
For questions or assistance with the application, please contact our Food Service team at FoodService@duvalschools.org.
Thank you,
Duval County Public Schools