All K-12 students who attend in-person classes at Liberty Elementary, Independence Elementary STEM, Big Lake Middle School, and Big Lake High School will receive free meals.

Members of the following groups are not eligible for free meals:

• Full-time online students (Part-time Big Lake Online students are eligible if they attend in-person school for part of the school day.)
• Homeschool students
• Teachers, staff, and other adults (except program staff such as cooks)

Nope! There is no application required. Once students get to school, they will automatically start receiving free meals.

All students can receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each day at school. However, if your child wants an extra meal or something from the à la carte menu, there will be a cost. 

• Breakfast Entree: $1.45
• Lunch Entree: $1.95
• Ala carte items: Available at the middle school and high school, prices posted in the lunchroom

YES! Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important. Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees at school. Additionally, your application may help the school qualify for education funds, discounts, and other meal programs.

There are two ways to complete the application:

1. Online through Infinite Campus: Your application will be processed faster and more efficiently using the online application. Log into your Infinite parent portal, click on Applications and Forms, and follow the link to the application.
2. Submit a paper application: Print out and complete the form and return it to:

         Big Lake Schools District Office
         Attn: Applications
         501 Minnesota Ave
         Big Lake, MN 55309

Yes! Students will still have a meal account, and will go through the lunch line and enter their pin number (MS/HS) or scan their finger (Liberty/Independence) each day.

Parents are encouraged to add funds to their child(ren)'s meal accounts if they anticipate purchasing extras such as à la carte items and extra meals. You can add funds electronically through MySchoolBucks, or by sending cash or a check to your child’s school (you can either drop it off or send it with your child). Students  will not be able to purchase extras if their account balance is zero or negative.

Unfortunately, the free meals program is applicable only during the academic school year. It does not extend to school breaks or holidays.  During these times, we encourage parents to explore other local resources that provide meal assistance. The summer food program continue to be available during the summer months.