Beginning Aug. 11, online applications may be accessed by clicking on the “Free and Reduced Lunch” button on the main page of the district website (www.pearlandisd.org).  Paper applications will be available at campuses and at the Food Service Office, 1928 N. Main. Please call 281-412-1244 to have a paper application mailed. Anyone interested in reviewing Pearland ISD’s free and reduced-price meal policy may visit Food Service.

Criteria for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits

The following criteria will be used to determine a child’s eligibility for free or reduced-price meal benefits:

Income: Household income that is at or below the income eligibility levels

Categorical or Automatic Eligibility: Household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Program Participant: Child’s status as a foster child, homeless, runaway, migrant or displaced by a declared disaster or child’s enrollment in Head Start or Even Start

Income Eligibility

For households that quality for free or reduced-price meals based on income, an adult in the household must fill out a free and reduced-price meal application and submit it to the Food Service Office, 1928 N. Main, Pearland, Texas 77581 or to their child’s campus.

Those individuals filling out the application will need to provide the following information:

Names of all household members

Amount, frequency and source of current income for each household member

Last four digits of the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application (if the adult does not have a Social Security number, check the box for “I do not have a Social Security number”)

Signature of an adult household member attesting that the information provided is correct

Categorical or Program Eligibility

Pearland ISD works with local agencies to identify all children who are categorically and program eligible. Food Service will notify the households of children whose families do not need to complete an application.

Any household that wishes to decline benefits should contact the Food Service at 281-412-1244.

Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. Information provided on the application will be used for determining eligibility. In addition, applications may be verified by school officials at any time during the school year.

Determining Eligibility

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, a Food Service clerk will review applications and determine eligibility.

Households or guardians dissatisfied with the reviewing official’s eligibility determination may wish to discuss the decision informally with the reviewing official. Households wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Cary Partin, senior assistant superintendent for support services, at 281-485-3203 or 1928 N. Main, Pearland, Texas 77581.

Unexpected Circumstances

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact Food Service. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the current income eligibility guidelines.