USDA offers meals free or at reduced prices to families who qualify for this benefit. An application for meal benefits can be obtained at your student's school or from School Nutrition Services, 501 W. Washington St., Greensboro or by calling 336-370-3266.

New for the 2013-14 school year, parents can fill out the application for meal benefits online. To fill out the form visit www.LunchApplication.com. Click on the "Apply Now" button on the left-hand side of the page.

If you choose to fill out a paper application, the completed form must be returned to your child's school cafeteria or mailed to Guilford County Schools, School Nutrition Services, 501 W. Washington St., Greensboro, NC 27401. Only one application per family is required but all students and household members should be listed on the application.

A new application must be completed each year. Students who were approved for benefits last year must complete a new application by October 8, 2013. Those students who do not have an approved meal application on file will need money for meals beginning October 9, 2013.

If you received a letter that you child is directly certified to receive meals, you do not need to complete an application for meal benefits. However if your letter does not include the names of all students in the household, please call 370-3266 to let us know so all children may receive the benefit.

An application can be completed anytime during the school year if you feel that your family may qualify. If there is any change in income, job loss, additional household members added, etc., please check to see if your family qualifies for benefits. Parents are responsible for payment for any meal until the application is approved.

New students must have applications approved before meal benefits can begin.