Summer Meals Text Service
The automated texting service which connects families to local summer meal sites is 914-342-7744
USDA National Hunger Hotline:
1-866-3-HUNGRY
1-877-8-HAMBRE
Hours: 7am-10pm EST
Food & Nutrition Services
Food & Nutrition Services
Welcome!
Good nutrition and learning go hand in hand. Fairfield's award-winning breakfast and lunch program offer nutritious and delicious meals for all elementary through grade 12 students.
All food and beverage sold or served at schools follow strict nutrition standards, incorporating a combination of whole grains, low-fat dairy options, fresh produce, reduced-sugar, and low-sodium products into every meal.
Snacks, drinks, and a la carte items also meet Smart Snack Compliance Standards. We provide students with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students.
The Fairfield Food & Nutrition Services department is comprised of a team of food & nutrition professionals with experience in foodservice operations, finance, education, and healthcare.
We are dedicated to your student's health, well-being, and ability to learn. We support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices.
Watch this video to learn more about why we do what we do for kids!
The Fairfield City School District Food & Nutrition Services department is self-sufficient, meaning no local tax dollars fund the department. All department costs such as food, salaries, equipment, and supplies are paid for with student and staff purchases of meals and a la carte items along with federal reimbursement from the US Department of Agriculture's National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
Follow us on our social media platforms by clicking the links below!
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Menus
At Fairfield City School District we are proud to provide our students with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs to promote successful learning and growing.
All meals, a la carte items, and beverages are prepared and served by qualified child nutrition professionals based on state and federal requirements and the USDA Dietary Guidelines.
Payments
While not required by USDA, it is the policy of the Fairfield City School District Food & Nutrition Services Department to allow students to charge meals when sufficient funds are not available during the student’s assigned meal period.
This policy allows students to receive a meal at both breakfast and lunch, charging up to (-$15.00). Once this charge limit has been reached, the student will then be offered either a peanut butter or cheese sandwich, with fresh fruit and/or vegetable, and a milk for lunch at a price of $1.00.
Students who are charging, have a negative balance, or owe charges are not permitted to purchase a la carte items such as snacks, extra milk, ice cream, etc. All funds that are brought in for the student’s account will be deposited toward the outstanding balance until the balance is paid in full.
Students will be notified when their balance becomes low or negative at the point of sale. Charge letters will be emailed or sent home monthly for accounts with a negative balance within this threshold.
For the 2025-2026 school year, the price of reduced and paid lunches will be as follows:
|
Grades |
Breakfast |
Lunch |
|---|---|---|
|
K-5 |
$1.50 |
$3.10 |
|
6-12 |
$1.50 |
$3.20-3.75 |
|
Reduced Price Students, All Ages** |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
**For the 2025-2026 school year, families that qualify for reduced price meals will receive meals at no cost!
Payment Options:
Pre-Payment:
Taking advantage of the options to prepay your student(s) meal account has a ton of perks! Prepaid meal accounts help decrease the time your student spends in the lunch line and gives your student(s) more time to eat, relax, and play. Prepaid means lunch money can never be lost, stolen, or used for things other than lunch.
Not interested in prepaying?
We have other options for you! Cash or Check may be sent with a student or brought to the front office of your student's building. Please place funds in an envelope marked clearly with your student's name, their ID #, their teacher's name, the $ amount, and the check #. Please make all checks payable to Fairfield City School District.
Feel that your family may qualify for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program:
Allergy Information
MEAL SUBSTITUTIONS FOR MEDICAL OR SPECIAL DIETARY REASONS
USDA Regulation 7 CFR Part 15b requires substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a signed statement from a licensed physician.
Generally, children with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDEA, and the school food service may, but is not required to, make food substitutions for them. However, when in the licensed physician’s assessment, food allergies may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions, the child’s condition would meet the definition of “disability”, and the substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made.
School food services may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need. Such determinations are only made on a case-by-case basis. This provision covers those children who have food intolerances or allergies but do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) to which they have problems.
Students with Food Allergies?
You can now sort the online menus to omit any products with the top 9 allergen containing ingredients by following the additional instructions.
- Click the above button
- When asked the name of the district, type Fairfield City School District, and select "Go"
- Chose the name of the school, and select the menu that you would like to sort by allergens
- On the right hand side of the menu, chose the "Filter Allergens" button. When prompted, read the user agreement and choose "apply" on the bottom of the popup box.
- Chose the allergen that you would like to avoid from the menu, then select "apply" on the bottom of the popup box.
- Scroll through the menu-- all items containing the allergen will be crossed off and should be avoided.
- Download the “My School Menus” app from the app store or through google play-- a red apple will be the icon.
- When asked the name of the district, type Fairfield City, and select "Go"
- Chose the name of the school, and select menu that you would like to sort by allergens
- To filter by allergens, choose the button in the top right corner with 3 lines on top of each other. Chose the "Filter Allergens" button. When prompted, read the user agreement and choose "apply" on the bottom of the popup box.
- Chose the allergen that you would like to avoid from the menu, then select "apply" on the bottom of the popup box.
- Select the > arrow at the top of the screen to toggle the side menu away. The menu can be viewed by scrolling down. All items that contain the selected allergen will be crossed off and should be avoided.
-
Generally, children with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDEA, and the school food service may, but is not required to, make food substitutions for them. However, when in the licensed physician’s assessment, food allergies may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions, the child’s condition would meet the definition of “disability”, and the substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made.
School food services may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need. Such determinations are only made on a case-by-case basis. This provision covers those children who have food intolerances or allergies but do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) to which they have problems.
Students with Food Allergies?
You can now sort the online menus to omit any products with the top 9 allergen containing ingredients by following the additional instructions.
-
- Click the above button
- When asked the name of the district, type Fairfield City School District, and select "Go"
- Chose the name of the school, and select the menu that you would like to sort by allergens
- On the right hand side of the menu, chose the "Filter Allergens" button. When prompted, read the user agreement and choose "apply" on the bottom of the popup box.
- Chose the allergen that you would like to avoid from the menu, then select "apply" on the bottom of the popup box.
- Scroll through the menu-- all items containing the allergen will be crossed off and should be avoided.
-
- Download the “My School Menus” app from the app store or through google play-- a red apple will be the icon.
- When asked the name of the district, type Fairfield City, and select "Go"
- Chose the name of the school, and select menu that you would like to sort by allergens
- To filter by allergens, choose the button in the top right corner with 3 lines on top of each other. Chose the "Filter Allergens" button. When prompted, read the user agreement and choose "apply" on the bottom of the popup box.
- Chose the allergen that you would like to avoid from the menu, then select "apply" on the bottom of the popup box.
- Select the > arrow at the top of the screen to toggle the side menu away. The menu can be viewed by scrolling down. All items that contain the selected allergen will be crossed off and should be avoided.
Free & Reduced Meal Application Section
GREAT NEWS! Families that qualify for reduced-price meals will receive meals at NO COST for the 25-26 School Year! The State of Ohio is covering the cost of meals for the reduced-price students.
Households are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits via Payschools Central or by filling out a paper copy of the Free & Reduced Meal Application. Paper copies of the application can be obtained at the Fairfield Administration building or in the office of your student's school. Eligibility for free and reduced-price meals is based on federal income guidelines or participation in other programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Ohio Works First. For additional information concerning the National School Breakfast or Lunch Program, please see the U.S. Department of Agriculture school lunch question and answer web page.
**For a complete list of translated applications, please visit Fairfield Translated Apps & Letters - Some Languages
Only one application will need to be filled out per family. Factors considered in the application process are household size and total household income. HOUSEHOLD SIZE includes all persons, related or unrelated: Including parents, children, grandparents who live in your home and share living expenses. The TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME is the income each household member received last month before taxes - this includes wages, social security, pension, unemployment, welfare, child support, alimony, and any other cash income.
Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits. An application is not needed yet there does need to be documentation of status by a state or local entity familiar with the child's status. Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size.
Apply Now!
You can also visit the Fairfield City Schools Administration Building or your student's school to complete a paper Free & Reduced Meal application at any time.
Fairfield City Schools Administration Building
4641 Bach Lane
Fairfield, OH 45014
If you have questions, please call 513-858-712
Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No. Complete one application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to the Food Services Office, the School Office or the School Cafeteria Manager.
Who can receive free meals?
There are several ways that your children may be eligible for meals free of charge: Your child can get free meals if your household income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines. Another way is through “categorically eligibility”. If one member of your household is currently receiving assistance (benefits) from one of the following Programs: Food Stamps, FDPIR, CalWORKS, or Kin-GAP, all children in the household are eligible for free meals. (Remember, a household is defined as “…a group of related or non-related individuals, who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, but who are living as one economic unit.” Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits. An application is not needed yet there does need to be documentation of status by a state or local entity familiar with the child's status. However, a change in the regulations states that Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size.
Have the eligibility guidelines changed from last school year?
Yes the eligibility guidelines have changed from last year and you do need to fill out a new application if you feel you still qualify for the meal benefits.
Can homeless, runaway and migrant children get free meals?
Yes. Other categorically eligible children are those who meet the definition of “migrant, homeless, or runaway”, or who are enrolled in a federally-funded Head Start Center. If you are a homeless, runaway or migrant child, please contact the Food & Nutrition office for assistance in completing an application. If you have a homeless, migrant or runaway child, contact our office if you need assistance in completing an application. [We usually receive documentation for these children from official sources, but if you know of any, please contact your Food Services Office.] I got a letter saying my children are approved for free meals for this school year.
Should I fill out an application?
All applications MUST be renewed every new school year. Please carefully read the letter you received and follow the instructions. Call the Food & Nutrition Dept. if you have questions. If you received a letter for the current school year, then no, you do not have to fill out a new application. (Just make sure that all of your children are listed on the letter as being eligible to receive free meals.)
Who can receive Reduced Price meals?
Your child can receive low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Eligibility Guidelines. Please fill out an application.
I receive WIC (Women, Infants and Children) benefits. Can my child get free meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for reduced price or free meals. Please fill out an application.
Will the information I give be checked?
Yes, we may ask you to send written proof of the information you give.
If I don't qualify now, may I apply later?
You may apply at any time during the school year.
What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application?
You should talk to a school official. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to Food & Nutrition Department or School District Business Department
May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?
You or your child do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify your child to receive reduced price or free meals.
Who should I include as members of my household?
Include yourself, all children who live with you and all other people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends).
What if my income is not always the same?
Please contact the Food & Nutrition Department for further instructions. Normally you will list the amount that you normally receive BEFORE deductions. For example, if you normally receive $1,000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1,000 per month. If you are normally paid for overtime, include it.
Are applications available in other languages?
Applications are available in English and Spanish. Applications may also be available in other languages.
Why is it necessary to use the same name as it appears on the Birth Certificate?
Since the School District uses the birth date and name information from the Birth Certificate for all school records. The only way the application can be validated is by using the same information. Clearly, nicknames and family abbreviations will slow down the application process.
Why do you list All Other Household Members?
The consideration for approval of an application is based income and the number of household members. Therefore, it is required to list all members of the household.
Why do I need to fill out Social Security Number and sign the application?
These two sections are required fields and it is very important that these sections be completed. If this information is not completed, the application will be returned to the applicant. However, a change in requirements now only requires the last four digits of the social security number for the adult signing the application needs to be listed rather than the entire social security number.
If I have more than one student going to school in the School District do I need to fill out more than one application?
No, only complete ONE APPLICATION PER FAMILY.
If I have a student living at home that goes to a private school, charter school, or Pre-K school, should I include them on the application?
Yes, include them as Other Household Members at the bottom of the form.
- Use BLACK or BLUE ink Print Clearly
- Use your student’s name as it appears on their Birth Certificate
- List all Other Household Members
- Fill in the last 4 digits of the Social Security Number for the signer or write “NONE”
- SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED
- Foster Child may be completed on separate form, however, a regulations now state that Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size
Under direct certification, school districts use information from State Social Service Department to certify children to receive free meals. To qualify, the children's families must receive assistance from Food Stamps, CalWORKS, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Kin-GAP Programs.
- How do you know if your Student is Direct Certified?
- Direct Certification Letters are sent to the homes of pre-approved students.
- If one student is Direct Certified, in a household, are the remaining students also Direct Certified?
- Yes.
-
GREAT NEWS! Families that qualify for reduced-price meals will receive meals at NO COST for the 25-26 School Year! The State of Ohio is covering the cost of meals for the reduced-price students.
Households are encouraged to apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits via Payschools Central or by filling out a paper copy of the Free & Reduced Meal Application. Paper copies of the application can be obtained at the Fairfield Administration building or in the office of your student's school. Eligibility for free and reduced-price meals is based on federal income guidelines or participation in other programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Ohio Works First. For additional information concerning the National School Breakfast or Lunch Program, please see the U.S. Department of Agriculture school lunch question and answer web page.
**For a complete list of translated applications, please visit Fairfield Translated Apps & Letters - Some Languages
Only one application will need to be filled out per family. Factors considered in the application process are household size and total household income. HOUSEHOLD SIZE includes all persons, related or unrelated: Including parents, children, grandparents who live in your home and share living expenses. The TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME is the income each household member received last month before taxes - this includes wages, social security, pension, unemployment, welfare, child support, alimony, and any other cash income.
Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits. An application is not needed yet there does need to be documentation of status by a state or local entity familiar with the child's status. Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size.
Apply Now!You can also visit the Fairfield City Schools Administration Building or your student's school to complete a paper Free & Reduced Meal application at any time.
Fairfield City Schools Administration Building
4641 Bach Lane
Fairfield, OH 45014If you have questions, please call 513-858-712
-
Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No. Complete one application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to the Food Services Office, the School Office or the School Cafeteria Manager.
Who can receive free meals?
There are several ways that your children may be eligible for meals free of charge: Your child can get free meals if your household income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines. Another way is through “categorically eligibility”. If one member of your household is currently receiving assistance (benefits) from one of the following Programs: Food Stamps, FDPIR, CalWORKS, or Kin-GAP, all children in the household are eligible for free meals. (Remember, a household is defined as “…a group of related or non-related individuals, who are not residents of an institution or boarding house, but who are living as one economic unit.” Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits. An application is not needed yet there does need to be documentation of status by a state or local entity familiar with the child's status. However, a change in the regulations states that Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size.
Have the eligibility guidelines changed from last school year?
Yes the eligibility guidelines have changed from last year and you do need to fill out a new application if you feel you still qualify for the meal benefits.
Can homeless, runaway and migrant children get free meals?
Yes. Other categorically eligible children are those who meet the definition of “migrant, homeless, or runaway”, or who are enrolled in a federally-funded Head Start Center. If you are a homeless, runaway or migrant child, please contact the Food & Nutrition office for assistance in completing an application. If you have a homeless, migrant or runaway child, contact our office if you need assistance in completing an application. [We usually receive documentation for these children from official sources, but if you know of any, please contact your Food Services Office.] I got a letter saying my children are approved for free meals for this school year.
Should I fill out an application?
All applications MUST be renewed every new school year. Please carefully read the letter you received and follow the instructions. Call the Food & Nutrition Dept. if you have questions. If you received a letter for the current school year, then no, you do not have to fill out a new application. (Just make sure that all of your children are listed on the letter as being eligible to receive free meals.)
Who can receive Reduced Price meals?
Your child can receive low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Eligibility Guidelines. Please fill out an application.
I receive WIC (Women, Infants and Children) benefits. Can my child get free meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for reduced price or free meals. Please fill out an application.
Will the information I give be checked?
Yes, we may ask you to send written proof of the information you give.
If I don't qualify now, may I apply later?
You may apply at any time during the school year.
What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application?
You should talk to a school official. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to Food & Nutrition Department or School District Business Department
May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?
You or your child do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify your child to receive reduced price or free meals.
Who should I include as members of my household?
Include yourself, all children who live with you and all other people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends).
What if my income is not always the same?
Please contact the Food & Nutrition Department for further instructions. Normally you will list the amount that you normally receive BEFORE deductions. For example, if you normally receive $1,000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1,000 per month. If you are normally paid for overtime, include it.
Are applications available in other languages?
Applications are available in English and Spanish. Applications may also be available in other languages.
Why is it necessary to use the same name as it appears on the Birth Certificate?
Since the School District uses the birth date and name information from the Birth Certificate for all school records. The only way the application can be validated is by using the same information. Clearly, nicknames and family abbreviations will slow down the application process.
Why do you list All Other Household Members?
The consideration for approval of an application is based income and the number of household members. Therefore, it is required to list all members of the household.
Why do I need to fill out Social Security Number and sign the application?
These two sections are required fields and it is very important that these sections be completed. If this information is not completed, the application will be returned to the applicant. However, a change in requirements now only requires the last four digits of the social security number for the adult signing the application needs to be listed rather than the entire social security number.
If I have more than one student going to school in the School District do I need to fill out more than one application?
No, only complete ONE APPLICATION PER FAMILY.
If I have a student living at home that goes to a private school, charter school, or Pre-K school, should I include them on the application?
Yes, include them as Other Household Members at the bottom of the form.
-
- Use BLACK or BLUE ink Print Clearly
- Use your student’s name as it appears on their Birth Certificate
- List all Other Household Members
- Fill in the last 4 digits of the Social Security Number for the signer or write “NONE”
- SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED
- Foster Child may be completed on separate form, however, a regulations now state that Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size
-
Under direct certification, school districts use information from State Social Service Department to certify children to receive free meals. To qualify, the children's families must receive assistance from Food Stamps, CalWORKS, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Kin-GAP Programs.
- How do you know if your Student is Direct Certified?
- Direct Certification Letters are sent to the homes of pre-approved students.
- If one student is Direct Certified, in a household, are the remaining students also Direct Certified?
- Yes.
Summer Food Service Program
