Free and Reduced Meals
At Missoula County Public Schools, we are committed to providing students with the resources they need to be ready to learn each day, including access to nutritious and appealing breakfast and lunch options. We offer Free & Reduced Price Meals with government support, to help qualifying families cover meal costs. View the Application.
Students have access to a variety of foods and we provide salad bar and grab-and-go options, depending upon the grade level. Making sure that students feel welcome to eat a meal is a priority, so a student's ability to pay is confidential. All students eating school meals receive the same lunch cards and meal options. Students on the program will not be identified as they gather their meals and go through the lunch line.
Many families who qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Meals may not be receiving these benefits, and end up owing money on their student's meal account. All MCPS families are encouraged to complete the application and take advantage of meal credits that can help stretch a family's budget.
Applications are provided to every household at the beginning of each school year.
Some households already qualify for food aid and may be automatically recertified if they receive SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), TANF or FDPIR, have foster children, or some Medicaid recipients. These families will be notified by the end of September if they have requalified.
All other families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible - preferably online using the Montana OPI Meal Application or MCPS Infinite Campus Portal (under Forms). Families can apply or re-apply at any time during the school year, as changes to household income may affect eligibility.
View Income Eligibility Guidelines or learn more at Montana Office of Public Instruction or United States Department of Agriculture.
Questions? Contact Food & Nutrition Services at 406-728-2400, ext. 3023.
