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Educational Benefits

Families are encouraged to apply for educational benefits

All students can get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school. Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Annual Application for Educational Benefits is still IMPORTANT! If a household meets the state/federal guidelines, the approved application will provide critical funding to our school district. Students and families may also be eligible for reduced prices on items listed below, lowering barriers to participation in educational opportunities and programs.
APPLY NOW to EXPEDITE your application process!  Go to www.district196.org/edbenefits.
 

Please note that a new application must be submitted every year. Más información | Wax badan ka baro barnaamijka 

Each household only needs to submit one application. If you prefer a paper application, you can obtain one from the front office at your child's school. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Nutrition@district196.org or call 651-683-6958.

  • Discounted iPad Protection Plan fee
  • Discounted transportation fee-for-service fees
  • Discounted athletic participation fees
  • Discounted Community Education course fees
  • Discounted academic testing fees (ACT, AP, PSAT, SAT)
  • Discounted college application fees
  • Additional funding for your school
  • Additional funds for increased access to technology resources
  • Family benefits may include free or discounted fees for cable and internet services
  • Free complete first breakfast and first lunch meals for students with Minnesota Free School Meals for Kids Program*

* Free daily breakfast and lunch do not include consumption of ala carte items. View our Middle School ala carte or High School ala carte prices if you would like to purchase ala carte items.

APPLY FOR EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

Free meals for kids (new app)

Only a click away, the Free Meals for Kids mobile app will help families and kids find free meals at schools and other sites across Minnesota.

How it works:

  1. Download the Free Meals for Kids app to your cell phone.
  2. Use the app to find the nearest site providing meals by GPS.
  3. Click on the nearby site and use the Site Updates tab for more details.
  4. Share the app with friends, neighbors and on social media.

Free Meals for Kids can be downloaded at Apple or Google Play app stores.

download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

There are free meal sites across the state at schools and community locations. The app provides location, directions to the site and hours and days of operation. More sites are added daily. For more information: www.hungerimpactpartners.org.

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Sign Up for SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks is a new federal program (formerly known as Summer EBT) that provides $120 in child food benefits to bridge the summer meal gap. SUN Bucks is a joint effort with District 196 and MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The SUN Bucks card is mailed from MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families to the primary address District 196  has on file. School-aged children between the ages of 7-17 whose households participate in specific public assistance programs or qualify to receive educational benefits can receive this summer benefit. Families not yet enrolled should apply for educational benefits through our school district. Access the state’s SUN Bucks webpage to learn more or visit the MNbenefits webpage for other support programs.