Frequently Asked Questions
The new meal procedure does not impact students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. All families are encouraged to submit an application.
In addition, it does not impact students attending one of the 23 campuses that are part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. Families should complete the household family data form. View list of Schools.
The School District will support the Child Nutrition Department in debt collection activities. Federal guidelines prohibit the Child Nutrition Department from writing off debts as a result of charged meals. Every effort will be made to collect for unpaid meals. While not all-inclusive, these measures may include the following:
- An automated telephone call to the parent/guardian
- An email sent to the parent/guardian
- Kitchen Manager contacting parent(s) by phone
- Kitchen Manager sending notices to the school office to go home with students weekly
School meal status is treated as a confidential matter and should not be a consideration for families considering applying for assistance.
If students have surpassed the meal charge limit, the main entree will be replaced with the alternate entree. Students will keep their choice of sides which may include fruit, vegetable, and milk. School meal status is treated as a confidential matter with consideration for the wellbeing of the student.
Part of the USDA, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas. CEP allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students.
Yes, RISD provides free meals for students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. Students must re-qualify for the program each year to receive benefits. This year’s grace period for students who had not yet applied to re-qualify for meal benefits will end on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
For the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, Texas officials have announced that the state will cover the cost of reduced-price school meals, a move aimed at alleviating financial strain on families across the state.
A parent or guardian must submit a meal benefit application annually for their student(s). Complete one application per household, even if the children in the home attend more than one school in Richardson ISD.
For students not attending a CEP program campus or who do not qualify for free and reduced-price lunches, prices are as follows in the 2025-2026 school year:
- Student Breakfast – $2.10
- Elementary Lunch – 3.05
- Secondary Lunch – 3.20