Application for Educational Benefits

Mounds View Public Schools participate in the Minnesota Free School Meals Program. All students are offered one breakfast and one lunch meal at no cost each day at school. Although no application is required to receive this meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important, as your student may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees at school. Your application may also help the school qualify for education funds, discounts, and other meal programs.

If you have questions about Educational Benefits, please email Nutrition Services at nutritionservices@mvpschools.org or call 651-621-6025.

The 2024-2025 school year application is now open.
Households need to apply for Educational Benefits each school year.

Complete the application

The 2025-26 school year application will open in July, 2025.
Households need to apply for Educational Benefits each school year.

Check back for the application link

Who may qualify?

Children can receive Educational Benefits based on household income.
Children may also qualify for educational benefits without reporting household income if they’re part of a household participating in:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
And foster, homeless, migrant, or runaway children

Enter a current case number on the Application for Education Benefits form.

You could be eligible for reduced (or FREE) rates on:

How to Complete an Application

In order for the District to process your application as quickly as possible, please fill out and submit the form online. The online application can be translated into 10 different languages. Applications are also available in all schools' front offices. Paper applications are available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Karen. If you would like a paper application mailed to your home, please call 651-621-6025.

Phone interpreting services are available.

2024-25 household gross income guidelines

FAQs

Who can receive the Educational Benefits program?

Children in households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and foster children can qualify for educational benefits without reporting household income. Enter a current case number on the Application for Education Benefits form.

Also, children can receive Educational Benefits if their household income is within the maximum income shown for their household size in the instructions. Approval for Educational Benefits is effective for the entire school year.

How will I find out the status of my application?

You will receive an email or letter in the mail with the status of your application. You can also view your student’s eligibility status in your Titan family portal account.

Please keep this letter for your records. If your student qualifies for free or reduced Educational Benefits, you may receive reduced fees for athletics, extracurricular activities, community programs, busing and other costs within Mounds View Public Schools.

May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You or your children do not have to be U.S. citizens for your children to qualify for Educational Benefits.

Who should I include as members of my household?

Include yourself and all other people living in the household, related or not (such as grandparents and other relatives or friends). Include a household member who is temporarily away, such as a college student.

What if my income is not always the same?

List the amount that you normally get. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you get it only occasionally.

Where will the information I provide be kept?

Information you provide on the form, and your child's approval for Educational Benefits, will be protected as private data.

Will the information I give be checked?

Yes. We may also ask you to send written proof.

What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application?

Please call Nutrition Services at 651-621-6025 to discuss the application or email nutritionservices@mvpschools.org. You also may ask for a fair hearing by writing to: Mounds View Public Schools, Attn: Darin Johnson, Mounds View District Center, 4570 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126.

What if my information changes in the middle of the school year?

You may apply for Educational Benefits at any time during the school year.

Outreach for Minnesota Health Care Program

Click HERE to see if you qualify for Free or Low cost Health Care programs for Children.

Questions? Please call Nutrition Services at 651-621-6025.

Community Programs

Families who qualify for Educational Benefits may also be eligible for these programs below. This is not a complete list of resources and are subject to change without notice. These programs are not affiliated with Mounds View Public Schools.

Amazon Discounted Prime Memberships
Qualifying families receive discounted membership rate.

Assurance Wireless Lifeline Assistance Program
Visit assurancewireless.com for more information.

Children’s Theatre Company ACT Pass program
The ACT Pass program provides financial aid to attend Children’s Theatre Company’s performances, classes, and camps.

Internet Essentials Affordable Internet at Home Program
Qualifying families receive discounted cost for internet services.

Minnesota Children’s Museum “All Play” Membership
Qualifying families receive free admission for one full year.

Minnesota Energy Assistance
Qualifying families may receive assistance with energy bills.

Minnesota Historical Society Limited Income Program
Qualifying families receive discounted admission: $4 for adults and free for children ages 17 and under.

Minnesota Lifeline Discount Program
This program provides a discount on the cost of monthly telephone or qualified internet access service.

Minnesota Power Payment Assistance Programs
Minnesota Power offers the different assistance programs for qualifying families.

Minnesota Zoo Free to Explore Program
Free to Explore provides free admission for a qualifying guest and their dependents.

Q-Link Wireless Lifeline Program
This program offers affordable phone services to qualifying families.

Science Museum of Minnesota
Qualifying families receive discounted admission.

The Works Museum
Qualifying families receive discounted admissions, memberships and camp: $4.25 admission and $25 family memberships.

Transit Assistance Program (TAP)
The Transit Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to help make public transit more affordable for low-income residents. Qualifying families receive $1 fare for a full year.

YMCA Discounted memberships
The YMCA provides discounted memberships to qualifying families.

Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT)/SUN Bucks

Summer EBT Is Back This Summer!

The Summer EBT program has a new name: SUN Bucks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has rebranded all federal Summer Nutrition Programs under the SUN umbrella to highlight their positive impact on children across the country, including Minnesota. SUN Bucks helps kids thrive by providing families with resources to purchase healthy foods during the summer months.

What Is SUN Bucks?

SUN Bucks is an income-based food support program that offers eligible families $40 per month per child (a total of $120) during the summer. Funds are provided on SUN Bucks EBT cards and must be used within 122 days of issuance. Families are encouraged to use their benefits as soon as possible to avoid expiration.

Who Is Eligible?

Students are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks if they are directly certified through programs such as:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Foster care or Medicaid
Students identified as homeless, migrant, or runaway (categorically eligible)

Students with an approved Application for Educational Benefits for free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program are also eligible.

Questions?

Families with SUN Bucks questions can call the SUN Bucks helpline at 651-431-4608 or submit a SUN Bucks help form.

More information

To learn more about SUN Bucks, visit SUN Bucks website.

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