Free and reduced-price meal programs for the 2025–2026 school year.
Urban Promise Academy announces its 2025–2026 program year policy for free and reduced-price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals or milk served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast, After School Care Snack, or Special Milk Programs. Each school office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
The State of Ohio Budget for the 2025–2026 school year includes funding to cover the cost of reduced meals for breakfast and lunch, allowing schools to provide no-cost meals to reduced-price eligible students.
The Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines determine eligibility. Children from families whose annual income is at or below the federal guidelines are eligible. Application forms are distributed to all homes; to apply, complete an application and return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal's office.
Households receiving SNAP or Ohio Works First (OWF) funds must provide the child's name, case number, and an adult signature. Other households must provide names of all household members, the last four digits of the signing adult's Social Security Number (or state "none"), monthly income by source for each member, and an adult signature. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.
Families with children eligible for school meals may be eligible for free health coverage through Medicaid and/or Ohio's Healthy Start & Healthy Families programs — covering doctor visits, immunizations, physicals, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, and more. Call 1-800-324-8680 for information.
If a parent disagrees with an eligibility decision, it may be discussed informally with the determining official, or a fair hearing may be requested orally or in writing from: Joni Brandyberry, 2420 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45211. Households may apply any time during the school year — if household size increases or income decreases, contact the school to file a new application. Foster children are categorically eligible regardless of household income.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA regulations, USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from public assistance, political beliefs, or reprisal for prior civil rights activity. Persons with disabilities requiring alternative communication may contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete USDA Form AD-3027 (call 866-632-9992 for a copy) and submit by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; by fax to 202-690-7442; or by email to program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Contact the school office and we'll walk you through the application.
