The Pulaski County Special School District is committed to providing well-rounded and nutritious meals to its students. Part of ensuring that all students receive breakfast and lunch is making sure families know all of their options to pay for these meals.
PCSSD accepts free and reduced lunch applications throughout the year. The application is available online here. Once the application is received, a determination of eligibility will be made within 10 days. Until an applicant receives a written notification letter from the Student Nutrition Department that a student is eligible for free or reduced-price meals, full payment must be made for each meal received. Notification from any other source, or any means other than written, is not valid.
“Families have a lot of stressors in their lives,” Student Nutrition Director Regena English says. “We want to eliminate the stress of trying to figure out what to pack for your kids lunch box or how to afford a school lunch. The dollar doesn’t quite go as far as it used to, but one thing that should not be in jeopardy is a student’s opportunity to get a healthy school meal. We are here to help you, and we want to help you make sure your student is fueled to learn.”
Applying can help in many areas beyond just free or reduced meal prices. These include:
- increased funding for schools to ensure students received the support they need and deserve
- discounts on fees associated with applying for college
- discounts on fees associated with academic tests such as the ACT, SAT and Advanced Placement (AP)
- discounts on fees associated with participating in athletics programs in the district
- increased technology funds to improve internet access, wireless and network services
- discounts on fees associated with some Pulaski County Community Education courses
PCSSD spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 26 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927.
PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.
Click here to learn more about free and reduced lunches at PCSSD, and learn more about the Student Nutrition Department here.