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While an approved Free & Reduced Lunch Application is not necessary for students to receive free meals, it is still critically important for you to complete your Free or Reduced Lunch Application in order for our schools to receive important federal funding.

Completing the Lunch Application allows us to receive important federal funding for things like:

• Additional classroom teachers to ensure reduced class sizes
• Academic facilitators & instructional coaches
• Additional funding for instructional supplies and materials
  
• Additional technology devices
• Professional development for teachers
• Educational software programs

While individual student data is confidential and may not be used for local education purposes, it is used at the State level for a variety of purposes, including: 

• The issuance of P-EBT benefits if they become available to families this year;
• The allotment of State funds and discretionary grants for certain programs and public school units (PSUs);
• A mechanism for students (who qualify) to waive the cost Advanced Placement tests;
• Documentation to qualify for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid;
• Use by the agency for various accountability measures, and
• Other allowable uses at the State level.