The following family size and annual income criteria will be used for determining eligibility:
Family size: 1 - $20,665; 2 - $27,991; 3 - $35,317; 4 - $42,643; 5 - $49,969; 6 - $57,295; 7 - $64,621; 8 - $71,947. For each additional family member add: $7,326
Children from families whose income level is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Application forms are being sent to all homes, along with a letter to households. To apply for free or reduced price meals, households should fill out one application for the household and return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. The information provided by the household is confidential; it will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility. Information may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials.
For the school officials to determine eligibility, each household that is now receiving SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly the Food Stamp program) or that is on the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) must provide its SNAP case number or FITAP number as well as the signature of an adult household member. All other households must provide the following information on the application: names of all household members; the social security number of either the parent/guardian who is the primary wage earner, or the adult household member who signs the application, or a statement that the household member does not possess one; the amount of income (before deductions for taxes, Social Security, etc.) each household member receives; how often the person receives the income; where it is from, such as wages, retirement, or welfare; and the signature of an adult household member certifying that the information provided is correct. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for meal benefits.
Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may be eligible for benefits. If a household has foster children and wishes to apply for such meals for them, the household should contact the school for more information.
Households that receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly the Food Stamp program) or FITAP benefits may be directly certified to receive free meals. These households are not required to complete an application, and will be notified by school officials of their eligibility. SNAP and FITAP households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by Aug. 10. School officials determine whether households are directly certified to receive free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the SNAP/FITAP office, which will certify that a child is a member of a household currently receiving SNAP benefits or an assistance unit receiving FITAP benefits. Households who are notified of their eligibility but do not want their children to receive free meals must contact the school.