News Summary
Knox County Schools has announced its policies for free and reduced-price meals for the upcoming school year, encouraging families facing financial hardship to apply. The program, which adheres to USDA guidelines, aims to provide nutritious meals to children during school hours. Applications can be submitted online or via paper, ensuring that all eligible students receive the benefits they need. KCS is committed to inclusivity and confidentiality throughout the application process.
Knoxville, TN – Knox County Schools Free and Reduced-Price Meal Policies for 2025-26 School Year
Knox County Schools (KCS) has announced its policy for free and reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program for the 2025-26 school year, which begins on August 7, 2025. Families facing financial difficulties or those not attending Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools are encouraged to apply for these meal programs to ensure their children receive nutritious food during school hours.
Applications for free and reduced-price meals can be submitted through the LINQ Connect portal or via paper applications available from KCS. Households currently receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Families First automatically qualify for free meals, regardless of their income status. Additionally, children from households with a gross income within the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines may also qualify for reduced-price meals.
Application Process and Eligibility
It is important for families to note that applications for free and reduced-price meals must be completed each year. For the upcoming school year, KCS will continue participating in the CEP at select schools, allowing all children attending these institutions to receive free meals without the need for individual applications. A detailed list of CEP schools is available for parent and guardian reference.
For students attending non-CEP schools, families are strongly encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meals if they meet eligibility criteria. The meals provided will adhere to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, ensuring that students have access to healthy meal options.
Inclusivity and Confidentiality
KCS has a firm commitment to non-discrimination, guaranteeing that no child will face any form of bias based on race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability in its feeding programs. This policy is inclusive of families with diverse backgrounds, including those without a permanent address or those in temporary housing situations. Additionally, children who may have left their previous households can also apply for free meals.
Only one application needs to be submitted for all students within a household, but it is crucial that all information is complete and accurate, as incomplete applications cannot be processed. For convenience, completed applications may be returned to the KCS Nutrition Department or submitted online at www.linqconnect.com. Previous year applications are only valid for the current school year and a short grace period into the new school year until a new application is filed.
Ongoing Availability and Income Reporting
Applications for free and reduced-price meals can be made at any time during the school year, particularly if there is any change in a household’s income. Furthermore, students living in households participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program may also qualify for these benefits. When filling out the application, families are advised to report typical income amounts rather than fluctuating figures to ensure accurate assessment.
Importantly, KCS maintains confidentiality regarding the sensitive information shared in applications, ensuring that personal details are protected. For families who decide to decline the meal benefits, it is necessary to inform the KCS Nutrition Department about their choice.
Reporting Discrimination
Any complaints about discrimination within the meal programs can be reported through the USDA procedures. For further information or assistance, parents and guardians can reach out to the KCS Nutrition Department at 865-594-9563.
This initiative aims to support students and families by ensuring access to nutritious meals during the school day, contributing to the overall well-being and academic success of children in the Knox County community.
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Knox County Schools to Vote on Price Increase for Meals
- Knox News: Knox County Schools Teacher Salaries and Meal Prices Are Going Up
- Knox TN Today: Food City Boosts Knox Community Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Food Programs
- Knox TN Today: Second Harvest Food Pantry
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
