In Arlington, where community and care go hand in hand, the Arlington Independent School District (AISD) is making sure no child goes hungry with its 2025-26 free and reduced-price meals program. Kicking off on July 14, 2025, AISD Food and Nutrition Services is rolling out this heartfelt initiative to provide nutritious breakfasts and lunches to eligible students. For families juggling tight budgets, this program is a lifeline, ensuring kids have the fuel they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Applications are now open, and AISD is ready to guide families every step of the way at their office at 1206 W. Arkansas Ln., Arlington, TX 76013.
Who Qualifies for Free or Reduced-Price Meals?
Every family’s story is unique, and AISD’s program is designed to meet families where they are. Kids can qualify for free or reduced-price meals in a few ways. If a household’s income falls at or below federal guidelines, they’re eligible. Families receiving benefits like SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR automatically qualify, as do children who are foster, homeless, runaway, migrant, or displaced by a disaster. Kids enrolled in Head Start or Even Start also get automatic eligibility. AISD is working closely with local agencies to identify these children and notify their families, taking the burden off parents who are already stretched thin.
For those applying based on income, an adult in the household needs to fill out an application with details like the names of everyone in the home, their income sources and amounts, the last four digits of the signing adult’s Social Security number (or a note if they don’t have one), and a signature confirming the information. It’s a straightforward process, but for families who don’t get a notification letter and think they qualify, Ms. Alicia Garza is a phone call away at 682-867-7895 or [email protected]. If a family wants to opt out of benefits, Ms. Yolanda Veloz, the Food Service Compliance Coordinator, is ready to help at the same number.
A Simple Application Process with Heart
Life moves fast, and AISD gets that. That’s why families can apply for meal benefits anytime during the school year, either online or by dropping off a paper application at 1206 W. Arkansas Ln., open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A new application is needed each year to keep benefits flowing, and AISD encourages families to apply within 30 days of the school year’s start. If life throws a curveball—like a job loss or a new family member—families can reach out to their school to reapply, as these changes might make kids eligible. Ms. Alicia Garza reviews each application with care, and if a family disagrees with her decision, they can talk it over with her or request a formal appeal with Ms. Yolanda Veloz at 682-867-7895 or the same address.
AISD’s team verifies applications to ensure fairness, but they do it with understanding, knowing every family’s situation is personal. For parents like Maria, a single mom of two in Arlington, the program is a game-changer. “Knowing my kids get healthy meals at school takes so much stress off my plate,” she shared. “It’s one less thing to worry about.”
Feeding Arlington’s Future
In a city as vibrant as Arlington, home to over 56,000 students across 78 AISD schools, this program is about more than just meals—it’s about giving kids the energy to dream big. Last year, AISD served over 10 million meals, many funded by federal and state programs, helping students stay focused and ready to learn. The free and reduced-price meals program also boosts state funding for schools, supporting everything from textbooks to teachers in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford and Arlington areas.
The initiative ties into Arlington’s community spirit, seen in events like the Back to School Kickoff on August 2, 2025, at AT&T Stadium, where families can connect with resources like meal benefits. Local partners, such as Arlington Charities, help families navigate SNAP applications, making sure no child misses out. For parents like Javier, whose son starts at Jones Academy this fall, the program means peace of mind. “I want him to have a full belly so he can focus on school, not hunger,” he said.
Support for Life’s Unexpected Moments
Life can change in an instant, and AISD is there for families when it does. If a household’s income drops or grows—like when a parent loses a job or a new family member arrives—families can contact their school to reapply. These changes could unlock meal benefits, ensuring kids stay nourished no matter what. AISD’s commitment to fairness shines through, with a nondiscrimination policy that ensures eligibility is based solely on need, not race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Families needing alternative communication methods can reach the USDA’s Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
“We’re here to make sure every kid has what they need to succeed,” said Ms. Yolanda Veloz. “No family should feel alone in this.” Her words echo the heart of Arlington, a city that rallies around its own.
Looking Ahead
As Arlington ISD gears up for the 2025-26 school year, the free and reduced-price meals program is a cornerstone of its mission to nurture every student. With events like Pre-K Palooza on July 15 and ongoing registration for pre-K through 12th grade, AISD is building a brighter future for Arlington’s kids. In a city buzzing with excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and growth like the University of Texas at Arlington’s west Fort Worth expansion, this program reflects Arlington’s heart—ensuring no child is left behind. By providing meals that fuel both body and mind, AISD is helping families write their own success stories.
For more updates like this, contact Arlington Network.
