Frequently Asked Questions
MEAL APPLICATIONS
How do I apply for free or reduced breakfast and lunch?
Can I have the free or reduced application in paper format?
Do I have to complete the free or reduced meal application?
If your child was eligible for free or reduced last school year and would like to continue this benefit you must re-apply every year.
However, if you do not feel comfortable filling out the application, then you do not have to complete it. Completing the application can only be beneficial for your child as they might be eligible for free and reduced meals.
I have children attending another school outside of HCST & they have been approved for free or reduced meals, do I still have to submit an application to HCST?
YES! Other school districts DO NOT share their meal application with Hudson County Schools of Technology due to privacy reasons. Please ensure you submit a meal application for HCST and to your other children's school.
I am currently unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits, how do I show this on the meal application?
In the section titled "Income Earned by Adults and Other Household Members" under -- Select Source -- please select the option Unemployment Benefits.
How do I know if my child is eligible for free or reduced?
When you complete the meal application (online or paper) you will receive an email notification of your child's status.
You can also go to this website, https://hcstonline.schoollunchstatus.com/, search for your child and view their meal status online. You can also print a letter that shows their eligibility if you require it for any paperwork (i.e. colleges).
Is there a deadline to complete the meal application?
If your child received free or reduced meals at HCST last school year, you must reapply before 10/18/2023. If you do not reapply, after this date, your child will automatically lose their free or reduced benefits and must pay full price.
If your child received free or reduced meals at their 8th grade school and you would like to be eligible of the same benefit at HCST, you must apply before the first day of school.
If your household situation changes throughout the school year (loss of income, extra people now living in the household) you may re-apply online or request for a paper application.
Is there an income eligibility guideline?
Yes, there is! Please click here to view the income eligibility guideline.
How do students purchase meals in the cafeteria?
All students are provided with a student ID. The process is contactless. Their student ID barcode is scanned at the register. All free and reduced students must have a FULL meal, otherwise it will be counted as a la carte items.
If a student purchases snack items such as ice cream, coffee, or chips, they will scan their ID at the register and the amount will be deducted from their MySchoolBucks account. If their MySchoolBucks account has no funds, they will incur a negative balance.