Hialeah Families: School Lunch Eligibility Deadline Passed, New Applications Required

Hialeah families whose children received free or reduced-price lunch last academic year needed to submit new applications by September 22, 2026. The 30-day grace period for carryover eligibility from the previous school year has now ended. Without a new processed application, student lunch eligibility reverted to 'paid' status.

The Mater Palms Academy (MPA) school district provided a 30-day extension for last year's lunch eligibility into the new academic year. This extension concluded on September 22, 2026. Families who did not submit a new application by that date now have their children's lunch status set to 'paid'.

Families can still submit new lunch applications to the main office. School staff will process these applications within 10 days of receipt. The new eligibility takes effect from the processing date and does not apply retroactively to the first day of school. Any outstanding balances from the period before new eligibility takes effect remain due.

Some families may receive a Notice of Direct Certification from MPA, which means an application is not required. For any questions regarding lunch eligibility or the application process, families can contact Ms. Torres at [email protected].