A new free/reduced meal eligibility application must be completed and submitted each year.
- If your total household income is within the limits set by the federal government, you may be eligible for either free or reduced-price school meals.
- If you qualify for free or reduced-price meals, you may also be eligible for food assistance benefits from the State of Iowa, Department of Human Services (DHS).
- For information about state food assistance benefits, contact 1-877-347-5678, or apply online.
- Free and reduced-price meal eligibility applications for each new school year will become available in late July.
- You can apply for eligibility through the online application or by filling out a paper application below.
- Applications are also available at orientation, from building secretaries, or at district office.
Online Application
INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL.
- Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal
- Go to More>Meal Benefits
- Fill it out and Submit
Paper Application
Contact Information
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
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
Iowa Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 6200 Park Ave Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50321-1270; phone number 515-281-4121 or 1-800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.
Free & Reduced Meals – Frequently Asked Questions
Colfax-Mingo Community School District
What is the Free & Reduced-Price Meals program?
The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs help families by providing free or reduced-cost meals at school. Eligibility is based on household income, household size, or participation in assistance programs like SNAP (Food Assistance), FIP (Family Investment Program), or FDPIR.
Who can qualify?
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Children in households receiving SNAP, FIP, or FDPIR benefits
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Foster children placed by the state
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Children identified as homeless, migrant, or runaway
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Children in households that meet federal income eligibility guidelines
How do I apply?
Colfax-Mingo families may apply anytime during the school year. The application is available:
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Through online registration in Infinite Campus
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As a paper form from any school office or the district office
Please include all household members and income sources on one application.
Do I need to apply every year?
Yes. Eligibility lasts for one school year and carries over into the first 30 operating days of the next year. A new application is required each school year unless your child is directly certified.
What is Direct Certification?
If your child is automatically eligible through state matching (for example, if you receive SNAP or FIP), you’ll get a letter from the district. You do not need to complete an application. If other children in your household are not listed on the letter, please contact the district office so we can add them.
What happens if my household income changes?
You can apply or reapply at any time during the school year. If your income decreases, your household size increases, or you begin receiving assistance benefits, you may become eligible.
What are the meal costs for reduced status?
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Reduced-price breakfast: $0.30
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Reduced-price lunch: $0.40
Free meals are provided at no cost to families.
Are there other benefits if I qualify?
Yes! Families who qualify may also be eligible for fee waivers or reductions for school activities, technology, and other district-approved programs. Be sure to sign the Waiver of Confidentiality section of the application if you want these benefits.
Is my information kept private?
Absolutely. Your application is confidential. Eligibility is only shared with staff who need it to administer the program or provide fee waivers, if you choose.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No. Citizenship is not required. All eligible students are welcome to receive benefits.
Will I need to show proof of income?
Not with the initial application. However, schools are required to verify a sample of applications each year. If your application is chosen, you may be asked to provide documentation.
How soon will I know if I’m approved?
Applications are processed as quickly as possible—usually within 10 school days. You’ll be notified by mail or email once eligibility is determined.
What if I disagree with a decision?
You have the right to appeal. Contact the Colfax-Mingo District Office if you wish to request a hearing.
Who can I contact with questions?
Missy Daft
Colfax-Mingo District Office
📍 1000 N. Walnut St., Colfax, IA 50054
📞 (515) 674-3328
📧 mdaft@colfaxmingo.org