Berne-Knox-Westerlo CSD Families,
For the upcoming school year, BKW families will need to complete an application to determine if their household is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, as was done prior to the pandemic. Application can be found here. The federal waivers in response to the pandemic which allowed free school meals to be provided to all students will discontinue for the 2022-23 school year. We ask that families continue to fill out and submit their application for the upcoming school year.
As a reminder, we would like to share the benefits of the free and reduced meal program and why it’s important to fill out applications. The benefits are as follows:
If your family qualifies for free or reduced meals through the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL) program, you may be entitled to other benefits.
- Up to $375 per child for summer meals. (A family of three can receive more than $1,000 in P-EBT* support.)
- Reduced internet fee of $15 through the Emergency Broadband Program (regularly $65).
- Student Chromebook damage coverage at reduced (or no) cost, available through the district (regularly $25).
IMPORTANT UPDATE: In mid-to-late August, the district will be moving to a new payment system where you can make online payments for your students’ meals. We will no longer be using the previous system, so you will not be able to make payments with your old account. Please note that the district is closely monitoring this situation and will communicate any updates to the program as needed.
If you already receive Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you will receive P-EBT benefits automatically, but if you do not submit your free and reduced-price lunch application, you might be missing out on additional benefits for your family and your school. Please note: Your family may qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Lunch even if you do not qualify for Medicaid or SNAP.
Be sure to review the benefits and fill out a free and reduced-price meal application if you believe you may qualify. Learn more about how to apply on our Food Services web page.
If you have questions, please contact Food Service Director, Lateef Clark, at 518-872-5131.
We appreciate your consideration.