has announced its guidelines for determining which students are eligible for free or reduced price meals and milk.
The district's determination is based on the United States Department of Agriculture's income eligibility guidelines and apply to a period ending on June 30. These guidelines set a limit for biweekly, monthly, and annual incomes based on the number of children in the family. Residents at or below the income levels are eligible for either free or reduced price meals. See the attached PDF document for the full chart.
Families on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance Program are also eligible for free meals unless the parents decline the benefit. These residents may submit a direct certification letter from the Department of Social Services, but do not need to submit an application for eligibility unless they have not been notified of eligibility by Sept. 14.
Foster children may also receive free or reduced price meals even if the foster family does not qualify for them. However, this benefit will not automatically apply to other children in the foster family if this is the case.
The district has mailed applications to students' families, and additional forms are available at the principal's office at each school. Applicants must provide information on their income, size of the household, names of the students, and the last four digits of their Social Security number or a statement that this is not available. The information in the applications will be kept confidential.
Gail Sharry, the district's nutrition programs manager, will review the applications. Anyone who is declined may appeal to Interim Assistant Superintendent Katherine Ericson.
Applicants must certify that the information in the forms is correct. Residents may also contact the district to submit a new application if their income or the size of their household changes during the school year.
