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