posted on 8/27/2025
The Dover School District released a video explaining how families can apply for free or reduced cost meals at Dover public schools. The video also explains the financial importance of applying for these benefits for the Dover School District. Watch the video at https://vimeo.com/1103587715.
All students who qualify for reduced-price meals are entitled to a free breakfast each morning. Completing an application takes less than 10 minutes and application information remains private and confidential. Applications are accepted at any time during the school year. You will be notified by mail of your child's status. Until you receive the notification, you must provide your child with a lunch or lunch money.
If your child was eligible for free or reduced meals at the end of the previous school year, their eligibility will carry over for 30 operating days into the new school year. If you do not re-apply, your child will revert to full pay status, and you will be responsible for all charges incurred on their account until an application is submitted and approved.
Only complete one application per family.
Information provided will be used to determine or prove your child's eligibility for free or reduced price meals. This information may also be used for other state or federally funded school benefits.
Factors considered in the application process are household size and total household income.
Household size is considered all persons, related or unrelated, including parents, children, and grandparents who live in your home and share living expenses.
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. Households must check the appropriate box to indicate the child’s status under Step 1 of the application. Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size.
Please contact Lauren Sanborn at 603-516-6241 or email at l.sanborn@sau11.nh.gov with any questions regarding Free and Reduced meal applications.
