Free and Reduced meal applications must be completed every school year!

Why should I fill out the Educational Benefits Application if my child(ren) get free school meals through the state of Minnesota?

Families who qualify may be eligible for a variety of other benefits. These include free or discounted prices for the following:

Field trips
Clubs, activities, and athletics
Band instrument fees
ACT, SAT, and AP fees
Comcast internet for home
Xcel Energy account assistance for electricity bills
Additionally, the state of Minnesota uses a school district’s percentage of qualifying students from applications completed and approved prior to October 1st each year to calculate each district’s funding level. School district funding impacts every student:

Class sizes
Number of support staff the district can hire to help scholars (counselors, social workers)
Extra programming opportunities
Please fill out the Educational Benefits Application today to make sure your family can take advantage of these and other benefits!

1. Online Application:  Apply online for Educational Benefits
A parent account must be set up in Smartschool in order to access the application. Click here for directions on how to set up your account if you have not done so yet. 

2. Paper application: Print paper application
Both an English and Spanish application are available. Print and send or bring to the Educational Service Center. 

3. In person: at the Educational Service Center or any of our Osseo Schools.

If you are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, your
child automatically qualifies for free school meals. Please contact the Food and Nutrition
Department at 763-391-7129 to determine if you need to fill out an application. If you are
eligible for unemployment compensation, you might also be eligible for free school meals.