Des Moines Public Schools Pilots Nutrition Assistance Qualification Program

For a limited time beginning Monday, Aug. 24, Des Moines Public Schools is making it easier for parents to sign up for free or reduced-cost meals online.

In partnership with Efficient Forms, the district is testing a pilot program called Seamless Compassion through Oct. 1. Interested parents can visit www.dmps.k12.ia.us and follow the link on the home page, along with the prompts provided, to answer a few questions to determine their eligibility for the federally-assisted school lunch program. Once eligibility is verified, visitors will complete an application form, which will then be submitted to the school and processed within 10 business days.

“Our priority is to ensure all our students get the nutrition they need to help them learn and perform well in school. With the current state of the economy and unemployment rates at an all-time high, families that may not have qualified for assistance in the past may now be eligible,” said Nancy Sebring, Des Moines Public Schools superintendent.

Efficient Forms’ product, Seamless Compassion, was created to increase the efficiency and effectiveness — and reduce the confusion — of the benefits application process through the use of leading-edge technology.