LEXINGTON, Ky. — Fayette County Public Schools will open applications for free and reduced-price meals beginning July 27 for the 2026-27 school year, reminding families that they must reapply annually for the assistance.

Families can submit applications at FCPS.net/meals, where they will find detailed instructions. Eligibility for assistance depends on household income, and students who do not qualify will be required to pay full price for breakfast and lunch.

Some students will be automatically approved for meal assistance through direct certification, which includes households receiving SNAP benefits, KTAP assistance, certain Medicaid programs, or students in foster care. Families of directly certified students will receive notification letters in the mail and do not need to complete additional applications.

Students attending schools under the Community Eligibility Provision, a federal program that covers meal costs for all students at designated schools, will continue to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. However, families at CEP schools are still encouraged to complete an Educational Benefits Form to ensure their children receive other services and resources associated with meal assistance eligibility.

For questions about the application process or meal assistance programs, families can contact Jessica Morgison in the Child Nutrition Department at (859) 422-2152.