Food Centric Schools

We envision a community that embraces food justice where those most impacted are a leading voice in the solutions to poverty and hunger.

Free & Reduced School Meal forms are back for the 2023-2024 school year.

You can fill out Free and Reduced Price School Meals Applications online now! Speed up the process by using the link below or grab a paper copy here at the food bank or at your child's school.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications for this program must be completed every school year. If your student was approved for free and reduced meals in our school district last year, the free and reduced status is automatically extended for the first 30 operating days of the next school year, but families must re-apply within those 30 days to continue receiving benefits.

Free & Reduced School Meal Form

School Meals Are for Everyone

We know that kids can’t learn if their bellies aren’t full. And accessible meals for all is key in guaranteeing every student can focus on what's on their desk, not what’s on their plate. We are working closely with MCPS on our School Meals Campaign to make sure every child can put their learning first!

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program connects neighbors with resources for food purchases. This is a step in the right direction toward addressing upstream causes of hunger and provides many access points to even more food access. Enrollment in the program acts as an avenue to achieve free school meals for schools with 63.7 percent of student families participating. Community members with SNAP receive double SNAP at farmers markets, incentivizing supporting local growers and getting double the amount of produce into people’s kitchens!

We have staff dedicated to helping ease the entry point into state application processes. We offer open SNAP hours in the store to guarantee shoppers an opportunity to connect with an expert, host events on the Kids Eat Free bus at local schools to bring applications right to parents, and we have a full time Application Specialist to guide folks through the process when they’re ready.

Show your support for universal school meals

News & Media

Local News

Go Bananas for School Meals

Missoulian Guest View

Kids Benefit from Eating School Lunch

KPAX coverage

International Apple Day at local Elementary Schools

MTPR

SNAP Assistance Program

Montana Right Now

Continuing Breakfast in the Classroom

Facts On
Food Insecurity

School Meal Debt

Missoula County Public Schools students had over $42,000 in school meal debt at the start of the past school year. Until balances were paid by a team of community members and the School Meals for All campaign, 83 high school graduates could not receive their diplomas.