Fort Bend ISD families at Ridge Point, Elkins and Marshall high schools can now apply for free or reduced-price school meals for the 2026-27 year, with classes starting Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The district announced Wednesday, Aug. 5 that its Free and Reduced-Price Meals application is open, directing families to apply online at SchoolCafe (www.schoolcafe.com/fbisd). Students who qualify receive breakfast and lunch at little or no cost, and the district said eligibility may unlock additional program benefits beyond meals.
Students approved for either the free or reduced-price tier will pay nothing for meals this year. Meal prices are unchanged from last year.
Fort Bend ISD, which enrolled about 78,062 students in 2025-26 according to a May 2026 Texas 2036 report, has not announced a hard application deadline, but families should submit before the first day of instruction to avoid gaps in coverage.
Stafford MSD: no application needed
Across town, Stafford Municipal School District families don't need to fill out anything. The district announced July 28 that all five campuses will operate under the federal Community Eligibility Program for 2026-27, serving free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student regardless of household income.
The covered campuses are Stafford Early Childhood Center, Stafford Elementary School, Stafford Middle School, Stafford STEM Magnet Academy and Stafford High School.
The program eliminates meal applications entirely.
The district said the CEP approach reduces burdens for families and administrators while helping ensure students receive nutritious meals. Stafford MSD is also offering supper at the elementary school cafeteria from 3 to 5 p.m. for all students, according to the district's announcement.
Families with questions about Stafford MSD's meal program can contact Child Nutrition Director Danny McDonald or Child Nutrition Coordinator Adam Alvarado at 281-261-9289.
What families should do
Fort Bend ISD families: Apply at www.schoolcafe.com/fbisd before Aug. 11. Both the free and reduced-price tiers pay $0 for meals this year.
Stafford MSD families: No action required. Free breakfast and lunch begin automatically on the first day of school at all five campuses.
As we reported Aug. 5, Fort Bend ISD is also distributing free backpacks and supplies to 17,750 students at Title I schools ahead of the start of classes.
