Spring Branch ISD Featured News

For the 2022-23 school year, Spring Branch ISD will transition back to requiring families to apply for free and reduced-price meals. 

During the pandemic, the federal government provided program flexibilities that allowed schools to offer meals at no cost. However, the flexibilities have expired and families are now required to apply for free and reduced-price meals. The new changes will be reflected throughout all public school districts.  

“We encourage families to complete an application for the National School Lunch Program,” said Michael Francis, SBISD Child Nutrition Services (CNS) director. “Not only will completing the application potentially qualify families for free or reduced-price lunch, but it also can provide additional benefits including, Pandemic EBT benefits, reduced academic test fees and discounted college application fees, among others.”

Families interested in applying should complete an application at www.schoolcafe.com, visit their student’s school or visit CNS at 1031 Witte Road, Building T2A, Houston, Texas 77055. Only one application per family is required, even if the students attend different schools within SBISD.  

SBISD campuses that participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), will continue to serve breakfast and lunch meals at no cost to all students. Those attending a CEP campus are not required to submit an application but should complete an Income Survey.  

Student eligibility will be determined based on family income. The student will be automatically eligible if they are a foster child, homeless, a runaway, a migrant, were displaced by a declared disaster or if the family is enrolled in any of the following programs: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

All families that are automatically eligible must still submit an application. There is no deadline to apply, applications are accepted all throughout the school year. 

“Families are encouraged to contact our offices for any assistance on completing the application,” added Francis. “CNS is here to help!” 

For additional information, contact CNS at 713-251-1150 or cns@springbranchisd.com.