School Meals and Summer EBT Application FAQ
What is the School Meals and Summer EBT Application?
The School Meals and Summer EBT Application is a United States Department of Agriculture form used to determine if a PK-12 student is eligible to receive free or reduced meals during the school year and Summer EBT. This application must be completed by families EVERY YEAR, even if your children received free/reduced meals the previous year.
Why is it important that I complete the School Meals and Summer EBT Application?
Eligible students can receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch every school day. Eligible students also receive other benefits including: Summer EBT, reduced subscription busing fees, reduced elementary string instrument rental fees, waived/reduced iPad insurance, waiver/reduced field trip fees, reduced college application and test fees, and additional college grant/scholarship eligibility.
Why is it important to Piscataway Schools that I complete the School Meals and Summer EBT Application?
Even if your children will not participate in our meal program, it is important to our District that you complete this form annually. The State of New Jersey provides funding to school districts to help support the annual school budget. State School Aid accounted for 19% of the 2024-2025 Piscataway Schools budget.
A portion of State School Aid is based upon total student enrollment with additional funding provided based on the number of students eligible for free or reduced meals. If families do not complete the application, our student enrollment counts will be underreported and Piscataway Schools may lose some State School Aid for which it would otherwise be eligible in 2025-2026.
What happens to the Piscataway Schools budget if State School Aid is decreased in 2024-2025?
Any reduction in State School Aid will require that the district address the budget shortfall by either raising property taxes to provide additional revenue and/or reducing the amount we spend on staffing, instructional programs and non-instructional costs.
How do I complete the School Meals and Summer EBT Application?
Applications can be completed on-line on the Genesis Parent Portal. On-line applications provide the quickest way to confirm accurate completion of the applications. Paper applications are available in English and eight other languages on the Piscataway Schools website at School Meals and Summer EBT Application. Paper applications can also be obtained at your child’s school.
There is more than one student in my household, do I have to fill out the School Meals and Summer EBT Application multiple times?
Each household only has to fill out one application, but please make sure to list all of your children on the application.
Are completed School Meals and Summer EBT Application shared with outside agencies?
No, School Meals and Summer EBT Application are reviewed by Piscataway Schools Business Office staff and kept on file for our annual audit. Completed applications are part of a student’s private record and are not shared with state or federal agencies unless required by law. Financial and citizenship information is NOT shared with the Internal Revenue Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Where can I get assistance completing the School Meals and Summer EBT Application?
If you have any questions regarding the application, please contact the Piscataway Township Schools Business Office at 732-572-2289 x2507 or your school’s main office.