Lunch Applications FAQ

Why does the calculate screen on a lunch application always say "Not Eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch" even though the income is correctly entered.

This happens when the lunch codes are not properly configured on the system. Go to Student Data.Lunch.Setup.Codes and verify that your codes look like this:

• If your codes need to be recreated or fixed click the link 'Click here to auto create or fix existing lunch code flags based on New Jersey standards'

Can parent submit online applications through the parent portal?

YES. Please review our article on this. Watch this webinar as well.

Can parents re-apply if their Lunch Application was 'Denied'?

We added an option to allow Parents to re-apply for lunch benefits. Checking off the new option will expose a new button for parents that allows them to remove their existing lunch application in Genesis and create a new one. The old application will no longer be available in Genesis but will be archived.

The new option can be found on the Parent Access>Setup>Settings>District Settings>Lunch Application Settings screen. Check off "Allow parents to re-apply for lunch benefits. A button to "Remove prior application and re-apply" will appear for parents. Old application will be archived and no longer shown in Genesis if parent creates a new application" and click SAVE (at the bottom of the screen.)

Screenshot of the button below:

What occurs when a Lunch Application is 'Archived'?

If a Lunch Application is archived (due to parent re-applying with a new application, or it was archived manually within Genesis), the application is copied to a school year with "R" in front of it. This will safely maintain the history of the application while getting it out of the way.  For example, an application for SY "2024-25" would become SY "R2024-25" when it is archived. 

Archived applications can appear in the Student Data > Lunch > Application Search when checking off Archived.

Can we determine if a Lunch App was submitted through the portal vs. not through the portal?

Yes. There is a "Parent Submitted" column on the Student Data>Lunch>Applications tab.

Do lunch application numbers reset each year?

Yes, the app numbers reset, so the first application each year is #1.  To change the next application # the system will assign next, visit Student Data > Lunch > Setup > Settings and adjust Starting Auto-generate Application Number.