Healthy Meals to Help Students Thrive
Looking for Summer Meal Resources?
Free summer meals and SUN Bucks information are available below.
2026-2027 School Year School Meals Information
Important Application Update: Applications for free and reduced price meals will open the week of July 13, 2026
Arizona Autism Charter Schools (AZACS) proudly participates in the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP), providing nutritious, balanced meals that support student health, learning, and success.
Fresh, catered meals are prepared daily by Karim’s Cobbler Shop and served at the Peoria Elementary Campus, Peoria Upper Campus, Central Phoenix Elementary Campus, and Central Phoenix Upper Campus.
Please Note: The Tucson Elementary Campus, Tucson Upper Campus, and Mesa Elementary Campus do not currently participate in the School Breakfast Program or National School Lunch Program.
Our school meals are made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients to help students feel their best and stay energized throughout the school day. Each breakfast and lunch features a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and milk to provide the balanced nutrition students need to learn, grow, and thrive.
All meals meet the nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and comply with the Arizona Healthy Schools Act. This means our menus are free from food dyes and ultra-processed foods prohibited by the Act, while emphasizing minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods that support healthy eating habits and student wellness
Meal Costs: Breakfast costs $2.75 and lunch costs $4.50.
For the 2026–2027 school year, students approved for reduced-price meals will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost due to a one-time state-funded reimbursement that covers the required co-payment.
How to Receive School Meals
Steps to Receive School Meals
Step 1: Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION for free or reduced-price meals.
Step 2: Meals must be pre-ordered in advance through the school’s online payment portal. Pre-orders are completed monthly and must be submitted by the 14th of each month for the month ahead.
Please Note: Prior-year eligibility for free or reduced-price meals only lasts for the first month of school. A new application is required every year unless you receive a direct certification letter after July 2026. Applications will be available beginning in mid-July each school year.
Applications may be completed:
- Online (see above link to online application)
- On paper at Meet the Teacher Night
- At the reception desk at each school site
- By requesting an application via email at hvaughan@autismcharter.org
- Click HERE to download a full printable application packet in English.
- Haz clic AQUI para descargar un paquete completo de solicitud imprimible en espanol.
- Click HERE for a paper application only.
New to AZACS?
Welcome! We encourage new families to apply and place meal pre-orders in July to ensure meal benefits are active on the first day of school. Please see the application information above or reach out to hvaughan@autismcharter.org with any questions.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Families can access the current breakfast and lunch menus below.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
August 2026
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
September 2026
School Wellness Policy and Unpaid Meal Policy
School Wellness Policy
Unpaid Meal Policy
Medical Meal Accommodations
AZACS is committed to meeting the dietary needs of students with documented medical conditions.
If your child requires a special meal accommodation due to a medical dietary restriction, a Medical Statement for Meal Modification completed and signed by a licensed physician is required by the State of Arizona before accommodations can be provided.
Please submit completed forms to:
Holly Vaughan
Student Nutrition Manager
Email: hvaughan@autismcharter.org
Phone: 602-882-5544 ext. 1210
Medical Meal Accommodation Form
Why Complete a Meal Benefits Application?
We encourage every family to complete a meal benefits application each school year, regardless of income level.
In addition to determining eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals, meal applications provide important information that helps AZACS qualify for federal and state funding that supports students and school programs.
Submitting an application may help:
- Determine whether your child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals.
- Support funding for educational programs, classroom resources, and student services.
- Assist AZACS in securing additional federal and state resources for our schools.
- Ensure families experiencing changes in income during the school year have access to meal benefits.
All information provided on the application is kept confidential and used only for approved program purposes. Eligibility is determined according to federal guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Applications are available beginning in July and may be submitted at any time during the school year if your household circumstances change.
Ready to Apply? ONLINE APPLICATION
Summer Meals and SUN Bucks
Steps to Receive School Meals
While AZACS does not operate a summer meal program, free summer meals may be available for children and teens ages 18 and under at participating schools, community centers, parks, and other locations throughout Arizona.
No application or proof of income is required to receive meals at participating sites.
Families may also be eligible for SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), a program that provides grocery benefits to eligible school-age children during the summer months when school is not in session. SUN Bucks can also help families purchase groceries and may be available in addition to other nutrition assistance programs.
To learn more about free summer meal sites and SUN Bucks eligibility, visit:
Questions or Need Assistance?
Please contact our Student Nutrition Manager for assistance with:
- Meal ordering
- Free and reduced-price meal applications
- Dietary accommodations
- Menus and nutrition information
- General school meal questions
Holly Vaughan
Student Nutrition Manager
Phone: 602-882-5544 ext. 1210
Email: hvaughan@autismcharter.org
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Free language assistance, auxiliary aids, and accommodations are available upon request.
Esta institución es un proveedor de igualdad de oportunidades.
Asistencia lingüística gratuita, ayudas auxiliares y/o adaptaciones disponibles previa solicitud.
