During School Year 24-25, breakfast and lunch will be free to all students in California under the Universal Meals Program!
Link to Online Eligibility Application
NSLP Media Release
CEP Media Release
Letter to Households-English
Letter to Households-Spanish
The following schools do NOT require a free/reduced application as they are on a Community Eligibility Provision(CEP) for the 24-25 school year:
Pacific High School
Anacapa Middle School
DATA Middle School
EP Foster Elementary
Elmhurst Elementary
Lemon Grove K-8
Lincoln Elementary
Portola Elementary
Sheridan Way Elementary
*All other school sites, please fill out a free/reduced application at:
This will determine future funding for the school meals program. In addition, there are several discounts/programs your student/family may qualify for based on your household income such as AP/SAT exams and college applications fees, CARE discounts on utilities, and more. Even if your student does not eat school lunches we encourage you to apply. Applications are not in the take home packet-you must access online or ask for a paper application in your school office. Thank you!
Questions or assistance: Please contact Susan Gallardo at 805-641-5000 x1306.
Based on your annual earnings, you may be eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit from the Federal Government (Federal EITC). The Federal EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The Federal EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, Federal EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, low-income housing, or most Temporary Assistance For Needy Families payments. Even if you do not owe federal taxes, you must file a federal tax return to receive the Federal EITC. Be sure to fill out the Federal EITC form in the Federal Income Tax Return Booklet. For information regarding your eligibility to receive the Federal EITC, including information on how to obtain the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Notice 797 or any other necessary forms and instructions, contact the IRS by calling 1-800-829-3676 or through its website at www.irs.gov.
You may also be eligible to receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit (California EITC) starting with the calendar year 2015 tax year. The California EITC is a refundable state income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The California EITC is treated in the same manner as the Federal EITC and generally will not be used to determine eligibility for welfare benefits under California law. To claim the California EITC, even if you do not owe California taxes, you must file a California income tax return and complete and attach the California EITC Form (FTB 3514). For information on the availability of the credit eligibility requirements and how to obtain the necessary California forms and get help filing, contact the Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-852-5711 or through its website at www.ftb.ca.gov.