August 16, 2004
Notice for Free and Reduced-Price Meals Announced
Flour Bluff I.S.D. today announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Each school and/or the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-priced benefits. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may also be eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child’s income.
Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-priced meals for their children. Applications also are available at the principal’s office in each school. To apply for free and reduced-price meals, households must fill out the application and return it to the school.. Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified by the school officials at any time during the school year.
For school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits, households receiving food stamps or TANF only have to list their child’s name and food stamp or TANF case number. An adult household member must sing the application.
Households that do not list a food stamp or TANF case number must list the names of all household members, the amount and source of the income received by each household members, and the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application. If the adult who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must indicate that a Social Security number is not available by writing the word “NONE,” “No Number,” or some indication that the person does not have a Social security number The application must be signed by an adult household member.
Under the provisions of the free and reduce-price meal policy, the school nutrition secretary will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the reviewing official on a informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Superintendent, 2505 Waldron Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78418.
Households that list a food stamp or TANF case number must report when the household no longer receives these benefits. Other households approved for benefits based on income information must report increases in household income of over $50 per month or $600 per year and decreases in household size. Also, 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 benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the levels shown above.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating ion the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 202/720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Food Services