Food Assistance Programs
"You cannot teach a hungry child."
GMSD works with the federal government's National School Lunch Program to ensure all students have access to nutritious meals that fuel academic success. Learn more about free and reduced-price meals, eligibility, and how these programs support your child’s growth and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free & Reduced Meals
One Application Per Household: Submit a single application for all students in your home. Ensure it’s complete and return it to your child’s school or email it to Debbie Davis.
Who Qualifies for Free Meals: Students in households receiving SNAP/TANF, foster children, homeless, migrant, runaway children, or those meeting federal income guidelines. WIC participants may also apply.
How to Apply: Applications are available on the GMSD website, at school offices, or by contacting Debbie Davis or 901-752-7900.
Renew Applications Annually: Approval lasts for one school year and the first 30 days of the next; submit a new application each year.
Changes in Circumstances: You can apply anytime if household size increases, income decreases, or benefits like SNAP begin.
Non-U.S. Citizens: Applications are open to all households, regardless of citizenship.
Household Members & Income: Include everyone in your household and list typical monthly income. Attach additional pages if needed.
Military Allowances: Exclude housing allowances from the Military Housing Privatization Initiative but include other allowances.
Need More Help: For SNAP or other benefits, call 1-866-311-4287.
For questions or assistance, contact Debbie Davis or 901-752-7900.
Additional Family Resources
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or - fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.