Introduction
The Multipurpose Family Income Form is not required for students to receive free meals. See the benefits of applying for eligibility below.
About the Multipurpose Family Income Form
Link to this section
24-25 SY MFIF Information
The 24-25 SY MFIF application is available until July 1, 2025. Apply at SchoolCafe.com.
Create an account and apply online through SchoolCafe (available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese). Allow 5 business days for processing. You will be notified via email (to the address you have on file with the Enrollment Office) that your eligibility results are ready to access.
MFIF Eligibility Impact Beyond School Meals:
- Help secure essential funding for your school, like support for teachers and school supplies
- Become eligible for discounted utilities like internet for your home
- Become eligible for after-school programs and SAT fee waivers
- Receive benefits regardless of citizenship status
25-26 SY MFIF Information
Date of Availability
The 2025-2026 SY Multipurpose Family Income Form will be available July 1, 2025.
How To: Create an Account Link to this section
- Go to SchoolCafe.com
- Under Need to Create an Account? Select CA-California and type in San Francisco USD.
- Click Go to My District.
- Select Create a New Account and follow the steps to register. Use the email address you use in ParentVUE.
- Once logged in, select Add a Student to link your student(s) to your SchoolCafe account.
If you previously created an account but forgot your login information, select Forgot Username? or Forgot Password? on SchoolCafe.com and follow the steps to reset your username or password.
How To: Submit the Multipurpose Family Income Form on SchoolCafe Link to this section
- Quick Guide for parents to create an account and submit the MFIF on SchoolCafe.com
- Download the SchoolCafe app or visit SchoolCafe.com
- Login to your account (Need to create an account? See above.)
- Apply for free or reduced school eligibility benefits (submit only one form per household)
- Complete each step and submit
- Review confirmation page (save your confirmation number)
- Please allow 5 business days to receive an email with the results
How To: Access Your Eligibility Letter Link to this section
- Access online by logging in to SchoolCafe.com. Under Eligibility Information, select Notifications, then View. You can print or download your letter.
- If you don't see your letter, go to the Dashboard, select Add a Student, enter the SFUSD student ID number, school, and last name. Then, under Eligibility Information, select Notifications, then View. If there is no letter, click Apply to submit a form.
- Alternatively, you can request a copy by emailing the student name, school name and SFUSD student ID number or date of birth to SchoolLunch@sfusd.edu.
Qualify for More Benefits with the Family Benefits Guide Link to this section
The Direct Certification letter or Multipurpose Family Income Form Results Letter may help you apply for additional district and city benefits, such as fee waivers for ExCEL After School Programs, SAT/ACT test registration, four college applications, fee reduction for AP exams, internet service, and more. For more information see the Family Benefits Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions Link to this section
How do I know if my children qualify for school eligibility benefits?
- All meals will be offered at no cost for all SFUSD students, regardless of income.
- On SchoolCafe.com, create an account or log in. Select Add a Student and use the SFUSD student ID number, school, and last name. Under Eligibility Information, select Notifications, then View. This will bring up your letter of eligibility. You can view, print or download your letter. If there is no letter, click Apply to submit an application.
- Can I resubmit my Multipurpose Family Income Form if I disagree with the results or make a mistake?
- You may resubmit the Multipurpose Family Income Form at any time. If there is a change in your household size, income, or employment status, you may submit a new form at any time.
- Are there other ways to become eligible for the benefits provided by the MFIF?
- You will directly certified if:
- anyone in your household receives CalFresh, California Work Opportunity (CalWORKs), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
- If you receive notification that your students are directly certified, you do not need to submit this form. Children who meet the definition of foster, homeless, migrant education, or runaway are eligible for free school benefits, and are encouraged to submit a form.
- You will directly certified if:
- Does applying for school eligibility benefit impact the "public charge" rule?
- The school eligibility benefits do not apply to the “public charge” rule. Meals are available regardless of citizenship status and families should continue to submit a form. A social security number is not required on the form. Contact the Student Family Resource Line at FamilyLink@sfusd.edu or 415-340-1716 with questions.
- How do MFIF results and submission rates impact schools?
- MFIF submissions and results directly impact school funding. Federal, local, and private grant funding is based on the percentage of eligible forms we collect. Submitting the form helps provide classroom funding at your school.
- Will the information that I submit be public?
- No, your information is secure. Student Nutrition Services will share your information only for the purposes of determining school eligibility benefits or for educational use. All eligibility statuses are protected and private. The only information that is shared is overall school free and reduced percentages. Our online platforms are secure.
Need help? Link to this section
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This page was last updated on May 12, 2025