River Valley schools urge meal benefit applications before school year begins

River Valley school districts, including Fort Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood, and Alma, remind families to apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits for the 2025-2026 school year. Eligibility depends on household income and participation in assistance programs, with foster, migrant, and homeless children qualifying automatically. Applications are available online and at school offices, and families can apply any time during the year if circumstances change. Fort Smith Public Schools will participate in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Afterschool Snack Program, with applications accessible at Linqconnect. com.

Van Buren families can contact Child Nutrition Director Tessa Clemmons for eligibility questions, while Greenwood and Alma families can apply through designated online portals. If households receiving SNAP benefits do not receive notification by September 19, they are encouraged to complete an application. The districts emphasize that no child will face discrimination based on race, sex, or disability in the operation of their child nutrition programs. These efforts ensure that students have access to vital meals throughout the school year.