The Free and Reduced Lunch program, primarily the National School Lunch Program, benefits students by providing nutritious meals at no cost or reduced cost. Beyond the direct meal benefit, it also supports various other school programs and initiatives. For example, in Carbon County School District #2, completing the application, even if meals are currently free, can lead to waived fees for activities. It can also impact funding for individual schools, Title One programs, Title Two programs, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grants. 

Indirect Benefits:

• Waived Activity Fees:

Completing the application, even if meals are currently free, can lead to waived fees for activities.
 

• Increased School Funding:

Schools receive funding based on the number of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals, which can impact the resources available for other programs. 

• Community Eligibility Provision (CEP):

Schools with high percentages of students eligible for free meals can participate in CEP, allowing them to serve all students free meals without individual applications.