More Than A Meal: Apply for Free & Reduced Lunch and Unlock Family Savings (Scroll down for links to apply)
While the free and reduced meal applications can be submitted at any time throughout the school year, it is important to remind you that the free and reduced benefits status for all families dropped, or expired, on September 23, 2025 if a new meal application for the current 2025-2026 school year had not been submitted by this date. Families will continue paying the full meal prices until they submit a new free and reduced meal application for 2025-26 and qualify for benefits.
Why It Matters
It is very important that RISD families who might be eligible for free and reduced meal benefits complete the Free & Reduced Meal Application each year to receive the benefits. In addition, your application helps RISD students and schools receive student fee waivers, Title I, and State Compensatory Education funding.
If eligible, this funding directly benefits your child and their school through:
- Additional employees to support learning
- More classroom technology
- Tutoring and intervention services
- Professional training for teachers
When families apply, everyone benefits.
Important Deadline
As we’ve already mentioned, the free and reduced meal applications can be submitted at any time throughout the school year. However, October 30 is another important date in this process for families and schools. Why, you may ask?School districts must submit student data, including the number of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals, by this timeline, to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). TEA then uses this data to determine a school district’s funding. By families completing the application before or by October 30, it will not only help your children to receive free and reduced meals if you qualify for these benefits, but this also helps our district to receive state and federal funding that supports teachers and student programs and resources.
More Than Just Meals
Completing your application can unlock major perks beyond breakfast and lunch:
- Technology Savings: Discounted internet access and RISD Chromebook insurance.
- Academic Fee Waivers: Reduced or free fees for SAT, ACT, AP exams, UT OnRamps tuition, and even college and NCAA applications.
- Free Test Prep: Access to free SAT/ACT preparation courses through our partnership with SMU.
- Summer Learning Discounts: Pricing for acceleration and summer credit recovery courses is based on Free/Reduced status.
How to Apply
It’s quick and confidential—only one application per family is needed. If your enrolled student attends one of these schools, follow this link to complete your family info form through RISD.
- Aikin Elementary
- Audelia Creek Elementary
- Berkner High School
- Bukhair Elementary
- Dover Elementary
- Forest Lane Elementary
- Forest Meadow Middle School
- Forestridge Elementary
- Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet
- Jess Harben Elementary
- Liberty Junior High
- Little Rams and Little Wildcats Child Learning Academy at Springridge
- Mark Twain Elementary
- Northlake Elementary
- Northrich Elementary
- Northwood Hills Elementary
- O. Henry Elementary
- Terrace Elementary
- Richland Elementary
- RISD Academy
- Skyview Elementary
- Stults Road Elementary
- Thurgood Marshall Student Success Academy
For students attending all other RISD campuses, please complete your application through School Cafe.
Paper Applications: Available at all campuses and the RISD Child Nutrition Office: 900 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson, TX. 75081.
Your Support Matters
Thank you for helping us provide important learning support to our students and teachers. Your participation will be instrumental. Thank you for completing the free and reduced meals application by October 30 and helping us to better serve students across Richardson ISD
If you have any questions, please contact If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Costabella from Child Nutrition at 469-593-0102.
