Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals and Milk Programs

The United States Department of Agriculture has announced household size and income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals or free milk for those students unable to pay the full price for meals or milk served under the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special Milk Programs.

Each school corporation office has a copy of the guidelines that may be reviewed by any interested party. The following household size and income criteria will be used for determining eligibility:

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES*

EFFECTIVE FROM JULY 1, 2009 TO JUNE 30, 2010

*For the 48 contiguous United States, District of Columbia, Guam and territories

Children from households that meet federal guidelines are eligible for free or reduced- price meals or free milk.

Application forms will be provided to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced-price benefits, households must complete the application as soon as possible, sign it, and return it to the school.  One application should be submitted for all the students enrolled in the school district.  Households should answer all applicable questions on the form. An application that does not contain all the required information cannot be processed and approved by the school. The required information is:

FOOD STAMP / TANF HOUSEHOLDS: If a household currently receives Food Stamps or "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families" (TANF) for their child, they need only to list the child's name and Food Stamp or TANF case number, and sign the application.

ALL OTHER HOUSEHOLDS: If a household's income is at or below the level shown on the income scale, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals or free milk. Households must provide the following information: (1) the names of all household members, (2) all household income last month and source of income received by each household member (for example, EARNINGS, WELFARE, PENSION, or OTHER). Income is all money before taxes or anything else is taken out, (3) the signature of an adult household member, and (4) the Social Security number of the adult signing the application.

The information on the application for free or reduced price meals may be verified by the school or other officials at any time during the school year.  In addition, the information households provide will be treated confidentially and will be used only for the eligibility determinations and verification of data.

Households may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. If a household is not eligible now, but has a decrease in household income, an increase in household size, or a household member becomes unemployed, an application should be filled out at that time.

In certain cases foster children are eligible for meal or milk benefits regardless of the household income. If a household has foster children living with them and they wish to apply for meals or milk benefits for them, they should contact the school for help with the application.

Children enrolled in the Head Start/Even Start Program or the Migrant Education Program or who are considered homeless or runaway by the school district’s homeless liaison should contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits.

Under the provisions of the policy, a local school corporation official will review applications and determine eligibility. Households dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss it with the school.

Households also have the right to a fair hearing which may be initiated by contacting the hearing official in the local school corporation.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.