More Than A Meal 

The free/reduced priced meal program affects a variety of areas unrelated to school meals, including school funding, internet access, college application fees, SAT fees and bus passes. Even if your child doesn't plan to eat school lunches, it is important to fill out the free/reduced priced meal program application to ensure our schools and families receive the available resources.  

All San Juan Unified families are being asked to complete the application or return a form to opt-out of the free/reduced priced meal program:

• Apply online using this form
• Obtain a paper form at 3738 Walnut Avenue in Carmichael, the Central Enrollment Center at 3700 Garfield Avenue, at any school cafeteria or school office
• Fill out this opt-out form if you choose not to participate (SPANISH) (RUSSIAN) (UKRAINIAN) (ARABIC)

About the Benefits

School Funding

Every student who is under a certain income, learning English, or in foster care generates 20% more funding. In districts where at least 55% of students are high-need, they receive even more funding. The dollars generated by high-need students are spent to increase or improve services for low-income students, English learners and foster youth.

SAT and College Application Fees

Any 11th and 12th grade student that is eligible to participate in the free/reduced priced meal program is eligible for SAT fee waivers. Every income-eligible student who takes the SAT using a test fee waiver can choose four colleges from over 2,000 participating colleges and apply for free.

Bus Passes

Income-eligible students between the ages of 5 – 18 pursuing a high school diploma qualify for discounted RT Monthly Stickers. The parent/guardian can fill out a Discount RT Eligibility Form available at www.sanjuan.edu/rtoutlet or at San Juan Central, 3700 Garfield Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608.

Internet Service

Though a partnership with Comcast, the Internet Essentials Program provides internet for less than $10 a month for qualifying families. The program also provides the opportunity to purchase a laptop or desktop computer for $149 and free classes to assist in learning internet basics. For more information, visit www.internetessentials.com

 Helpful Links

More information about the free/reduced meal program

Eligibility guidelines

Filling out the application