Free & Reduced Meal Applications and Medicaid

Families residing within the Shelley School District boundaries may apply for free or reduced-price meals based on income guidelines established by the USDA. We strongly encourage all families to apply, as qualifying not only benefits your household, but also supports funding for school programs like Title I.

This year, as in the past, students enrolled in Medicaid may automatically qualify for free or reduced-price meals, depending on state income data. Letters will be mailed to households on the Medicaid list informing you of your student's eligibility. You may also call Child Nutrition Services to verify your student’s status.

• Important: We will pull updated Medicaid information on July 6, 2026.

• If your student qualifies through Medicaid, you do not need to fill out a separate application.

• If your student qualifies for reduced but you believe your household income may qualify them for free meals, you must submit an application to be reassessed.

If you submitted an application last year, a new application is required for the 2026–2027 school year. Previous year’s eligibility will carry over for only 30 school days. After that period, students without a current application on file will revert to full pay.

To avoid any unnecessary meal charges, submit your application before the first day of school. Please ensure:

• All students are listed in the top section of the application.

• All household members are listed in the bottom section.

• Include kindergarten students and older children covered under Medicaid, as they are more commonly delayed in automatic updates.

How to Apply (starting July 1, 2026)

1. Visit: https://linqconnect.com/main

2. Click on “School Services”

3. Select “Free & Reduced Meal Application”

4. Enter “Shelley” and choose Shelley Joint School (Shelley, Idaho)

5. Complete and submit the application

A la Carte Items

A la carte items are available for 5th–12th grade students. Students must have money in their accounts to purchase these items. If you prefer that your student not buy extras, call the Child Nutrition Office to place a restriction on their account.

Note: Students are not allowed to purchase items for other students.

Milk

Milk is included with meals. Students bringing lunch from home or wanting extra milk may purchase it for $1.25 provided they have funds in their account.

Charges and Negative Balances

All students will receive one breakfast and one lunch per day, regardless of their account balance. If you do not want your student to eat school meals, please call us so we can place a notification on their account.

• Parents are financially responsible for any meals eaten when the student is not eligible for free meals.

• Daily calls and texts will be sent for negative balances.

• Monthly letters will also be mailed as reminders.

• Unpaid balances may be referred to collections if not resolved in a timely manner.

Menus

Menus are available online:

• District Website: Shelley School District - Menus Navigate to:

Departments → School Nutrition → Menus

• Facebook: Weekly updates are posted at Shelley Child Nutrition

Questions?

• If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Food Services Office:

(208)357-7435 ext. 5

                       chaderlie@shelleyschools.org

Thank you,

Charlotte Haderlie 

Charlotte Haderlie 

chaderlie@shelleyschools.org 

Food Service Director