Free Reduced Lunch Application and Information

National School Lunch Program

Bishop Chatard participates in the National School Lunch Program which provides free or reduced-priced breakfast and lunch for students who qualify. Families who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to apply. Qualifying students may also receive additional benefits, including textbook assistance.

Families must re-apply every year!
Applications for the Free/Reduced-Price Meals Program open August 1, 2026.

Intro to Cafeteria Policies Summer 2026

Directly Certified Families

Families who receive Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, or any FSSA benefit that designates you ‘directly certified’ for the programs: You do not need to apply each year. HOWEVER, BCHS encourages you to apply with the directions below, so you will have coverage until official data is received by the school.

Details

Families in this category will be notified by mail. Because the state is often delayed in directly certifying incoming freshmen or transfer students, we recommend completing an application form if you haven’t received notice by Aug. 1. If later you are ‘Directly Certified’, we can change your category. Your benefits will not change. If you believe your student should be receiving benefits but have not received formal notification by the first lunch, please contact the foodservice director. Please note that it is the sole responsibility of the household, not Bishop Chatard High School, to ensure your child qualifies or is enrolled in free/reduced benefits – Do not assume eligibility without official notification.

Did You Know?

If a student qualifies for free/reduced-price lunches, he/she automatically qualifies for textbook assistance.
Qualifying students may also be eligible for SAT/ACT fee waivers and possible college application fee waivers. See BCHS College Counselor Kate Burkett (kburkett@bishopchatard.org) for information on these fee waivers.

If your situation changes, applications can be made at any time throughout the school year.
Applications and participation are confidential. Students access this benefit when using their Meal Time account just like all other students.

How to apply for Free/Reduced-Price Meals

One: Read Eligibility Questions and Instructions

TWO: Apply Each Year

All families must re-apply for free/reduced benefits each year, even if your student qualified in the previous years or if he/she has a sibling at BCHS.

Exception: Students who are “Directly Certified”. See information above for details.

Apply Online through MyMealtime (Recommended) (Aplicar en línea)

Go to MyMealTime.com, Free Reduced-Price Lunch Application
If you already have a MyMealtime account, use your username/password to login to the above link.
If you do not have a MyMealtime account, you will need to create one by clicking on ‘Create A Profile.’
Meal Time – QuickStart Flyer (English & Spanish)
MealTime: Detailed Instructions

Apply By Paper (Aplicar en papel)

English Version of Application
Versión en español de la solicitud
Drop off completed paper applications in the main office.

If you have any questions, please contact Michael Dlugosz, Director of Food Services, at 317-251-1451, Ext. 2240 or mdlugosz@bishopchatard.org

How to setup your MyMealTime Account

If you believe that your student(s) should be receiving benefits and you have not received formal notification, or if you have other questions, please contact BCHS Foodservice Director Michael Dlugosz at mdlugosz@BishopChatard.org.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

Summer Programs

Several resources are available to locate summer food programs near you.
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