PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island families can now apply for free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunches for the upcoming school year.
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has started accepting Meal Benefit Applications (MBA). RIDE estimated that roughly 58% of school lunches in Rhode Island are served for free or at a reduced price.
Families may receive an MBA in the mail alongside a letter informing them of the program. RIDE said the information a household provides will be kept confidential and only go toward determining the benefits a student will receive.
Fill out a Meal Benefits Application
Income-based applications must contain completed documentation showing the names of all household members, the amount and source of income received by each household member, the last four digits of the Social Security number for the adult signing the application and the signature of the adult who is certifying that the provided information is correct.
Only one application is needed per household if all of the children attend school in the same district.
Children in households that already receive Special Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or RIWorks cash assistance are automatically eligible for school meal benefits.
RIDE said several schools also accept MBAs online. If you need assistance completing the form, tutorials are available in English and Spanish here.
While applications are sent out during the summer, families can turn in the form at any time during the school year, including if they are ineligible for assistance during the summer, but become eligible later.
RIDE is hosting a number of events across the state this summer to help families complete their applications.
Here is a list of upcoming application assistance sessions:
Bristol
- July 20: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Colt State Park
- July 24: 5-7 p.m. at the Bristol Library
- Aug. 21: 10 a.m. to noon at the Bristol Library
- Sept. 3: 5-8 p.m. at the Bristol Library
Burrillville
- July 16: 10 a.m. to noon at the Burrillville Library
- Aug. 29: 10 a.m. to noon at the Burrillville Library
- Sept. 5: 5-7 p.m. at the Burrillville Library
Cumberland
- July 16: 10 a.m. to noon at the Cumberland Library
- Aug. 6: 1-3 p.m. at the Cumberland Library
- Aug. 28: 10 a.m. to noon at the Cumberland Library
East Providence
- July 18: 10 a.m. to noon at the East Providence Library
- Aug. 19: 4-7 p.m. at the East Providence Library
- Sept. 9: 5-8 p.m. at the East Providence Library
Glocester
- Aug. 19: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pulaski State Park
Jamestown
- July 27: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beavertail State Park
Johnston
- July 31: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Johnston Library
- Aug. 29: 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Johnston Library
- Sept. 5: 1-3 p.m. at the Johnston Library
Lincoln
- Aug. 17: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lincoln Woods State Park
Newport
- July 25: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Newport Library
- Aug. 3: 1-3 p.m. at the Newport Library
- Aug. 24: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brenton Point State Park
- Sept. 4: 5-8 p.m. at Newport Library
North Providence
- July 23: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Providence Library
- Aug. 2: 1-3 p.m. at the North Providence Library
- Aug. 22: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Providence Library
- Sept. 2: 1-3 p.m. at the North Providence Library
Providence
- July 19: 1:30-4 p.m. at the Providence Children’s Museum
- July 29: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Providence Children’s Museum
- Aug. 3: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Roger Williams Park Zoo
- Aug. 9: 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Providence Children’s Museum
- Aug. 16: 10 a.m. to noon at the Providence Children’s Museum
- Sept. 7: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Providence Children’s Museum
- Sept. 7: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Roger Williams Park Zoo
- Sept. 14: 2-4 p.m. at the Providence Children’s Museum