Los Altos School District

No-Cost Meals for All Students

California has become the first state to pass universal free school meals program for all public school students. Free lunch will be offered at all schools. Free breakfast will be offered at participating school sites. All meals will comply with federal nutrition regulations.

Offer versus Serve (OVS) is a provision in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) that allows students to decline some of the food offered. The goals of OVS are to reduce food waste in the school meals program while permitting students to decline foods they do not intend to eat. For more information about OVS, visit USDA Food and Nutrition Services.

More Than Meals! Benefits for Your Student and School

Completing a school meals form is crucial to school funding.

• For every student who applies and qualifies for free or reduced price meals, the school receives more than $150 and additional money from state and federal grants. This includes increased funding for after school programs, technology, counseling services, and equipment for school kitchens.
• Families who qualify for free or reduced may also be eligible for free or reduced cost internet, free or reduced cost summer camps, and more! Your application helps your child and many others. 

How to Apply for Free or Reduced-Price Meals

Complete one application per household. Please use this website to access  the online application.

Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-price Meals: Effective from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026

Earned Income Tax Credit Information Act Communication

Based on your annual earnings, you may be eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit from the Federal Government (Federal EITC). The Federal EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The Federal EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, Federal EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, low-income housing, or most Temporary Assistance For Needy Families payments. Even if you do not owe federal taxes, you must file a federal tax return to receive the Federal EITC. Be sure to fill out the Federal EITC form in the Federal Income Tax Return Booklet. For information regarding your eligibility to receive the Federal EITC, including information on how to obtain the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Notice 797 or any other necessary forms and instructions, contact the IRS by calling 1-800-829-3676 or through its website at wwwirsgov.

You may also be eligible to receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit (California EITC) starting with the calendar year 2015 tax year. The California EITC is a refundable state income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The California EITC is treated in the same manner as the Federal EITC and generally will not be used to determine eligibility for welfare benefits under California law. To claim the California EITC, even if you do not owe California taxes, you must file a California income tax return and complete and attach the California EITC Form (FTB3514). For information on the availability of the credit eligibility requirements and how to obtain the necessary California forms and get help filing, contact the Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-852-5711 or through its website at wwwftbcagov

For additional information, refer to the IRS EITC webpage or the California EITC webpage

If you have questions regarding this subject, please contact the IRS by phone at 800-829-3676 or through its website at wwwirsgov You can also contact the Franchise Tax Board by phone at 800-852-5711 or through its website at wwwftbcagov

NOTE: The district shall not deny any individual the benefits or service of any nutrition program or discriminate against him/her on any basis prohibited by law. Collecting payment for meals will adhere to the regulations in Board Policy 3551.

If you have any questions, please contact the Child Nutrition Services Department at (650) 947-1150 or e-mail us at ebays@lasdschools.org.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are meals free for all students?

Yes, breakfast and lunch for the 2025-26 school year are free.

Do I still need to fill out a free & reduced meal application?

Families do not need to fill out an application to get free meals. However, we are asking for help from families who may qualify because meal applications are still important for school funding, low-cost utilities, and discounts on camps. Visit the Child Nutrition Services page for more information and to fill out an application.

Do you have the menu available online?

Yes, click this link for the current breakfast and lunch menus.

Do you have the list of nutritional value information available online?

Yes, click this link for the current menu nutritional facts.

How do I notify the school if my child has a food allergy?

Please fill out this form and submit it to your School Secretary. The School Secretary will forward the form to the District's Health Department.

Do I need to order in advance?

No, pre-order of meals is not required. Students just need to show up at the cafeteria line and choose the meal available for the day during breakfast and lunchtime. Please refer to the menus available online to help assist your child in selecting the meals daily.

Can students have more than one meal?

No. Due to changes in nutrition requirements from USDA, we do not allow second meals.

How can students receive milk for free?

Students must select milk, fruit, and vegetable.