Alvin ISD Child Nutrition has officially announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals to children, effective from the start of the 2025 school year.
The program is designed to assist families who meet certain income eligibility criteria. The policy and income eligibility guidelines are available for review at any school site or the central office.
How to Apply for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Starting July 22, 2025, Alvin ISD Child Nutrition will begin accepting online applications for free and reduced-price meal benefits. Families can apply through the SchoolCafe platform or visit the Alvin ISD Child Nutrition website to submit applications. The district encourages all eligible families to apply for the benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
To qualify for the free or reduced-price meal program, households must meet one of the following criteria:
1. Income-Based Eligibility
Household income must meet or fall below the income eligibility levels set by the district.
2. Categorical (Automatic) Eligibility
Households receiving benefits through the following programs automatically qualify for meal benefits:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
3. Program Participant Eligibility
Children in the following categories are eligible for free or reduced-price meals:
Foster children
Homeless, runaway, or migrant children
Children displaced by a declared disaster
Children enrolled in Head Start or Even Start programs
4. Income Verification
For households that qualify based on income, an adult in the household must complete an application for free or reduced-price meals. The completed application should be submitted to the Reviewing Official at 2200 Stapp Maxwell, Building F.
Applicants must provide the following information:
Names of all household members
Income amount, frequency, and source for each household member
Last 4 digits of the Social Security number of the adult who signs the application (or check the “No Social Security Number” box if applicable)
Signature of an adult household member certifying the accuracy of the information
5. Categorical or Program Eligibility
Alvin ISD Child Nutrition is collaborating with local agencies to identify children who are categorically and program eligible. Households of these children will be notified and will not need to complete an application.
If a family does not receive a letter but believes they should be eligible, they can contact the Reviewing Official at 281-245-2277 or apply via SchoolCafe.
Families who wish to decline benefits should contact the Reviewing Official at 281-245-2468.
Ongoing Applications and Eligibility Review
Applications for free and reduced-price meals can be submitted anytime during the school year. The information provided will be used to determine eligibility and may be verified by school officials at any time.
If a household’s situation changes, such as a change in employment or household size, the household should notify the school. This could result in the children becoming eligible for meal benefits if the household’s income falls within the eligibility guidelines.
Reviewing and Appeal Process
The Reviewing Official will review applications and determine eligibility. If a household disagrees with the eligibility decision, they may discuss it informally with the Reviewing Official.
For a formal appeal, households can request a hearing by contacting the Hearing Official at 281-245-2454 or visit 2200 Stapp Maxwell, Building F, Alvin, Texas 77511. First, please call 281-245-2468 for further assistance.
What to Do in Case of Unexpected Changes
If a household member becomes unemployed, or if the household size increases, families are encouraged to contact the school. These changes might make the children eligible for meal benefits if the household’s income now meets the eligibility criteria.
Alvin ISD’s free and reduced-price meal program is an important resource for families facing financial difficulties. Families who believe they may qualify for these benefits are encouraged to apply online starting on July 22, 2025.
The district is committed to ensuring that all eligible children receive the support they need to access nutritious meals during the school year.
