The T&E Care School Meal Assistance Program provideslimited school meal assistance to families who do not qualify for the federal Free/Reduced Meal Program but still need support with meal costs.

Families can apply for assistance. If approved, funds are deposited directly to the student point-of-sale account. For the 2026-2027 school year, approved amounts are: $40/mo/elementary school child, $50/mo/middle school child, and $60/mo/CHS student. The amount deposited for the month of June 2027 will be prorated.

Eligibility

• Families who live in the T/E School District
• Families who applied for free/reduced meal assistance from the school district and were denied
• None of the students have a negative balance of more than $40 in their point-of-sale account
• All adults in the household are working, actively seeking paid employment, and/or receives SSD benefits
• Gross income up to 300% of the federal poverty level (the free/reduced limit is 185%)

How to Apply

1. Apply for the Free/Reduced Meal Program through TESD first: Click here for the school program application
2. If denied, provide your denial letter to your child’s school counselor
3. Complete the T&E Care Meal Assistance Application. Forms are also available through your child’s counselor
4. Submit the application to your child’s counselor. If you have children in multiple schools, you only need to submit the form to one counselor of your choice

Additional Information

• Complete one application per household. If you have more than one child, submit the application to your oldest child’s counselor
• Applications can be submitted at any time during the school year after August 20th
• Short-term assistance for special situations above the 300% limit may be considered

Questions?

Contact us by email at lunchhelp@tecare.org