School Dist. 129 announced on Thursday, July 9, its policy for free and reduced-price lunch, breakfast, and after-school snacks for those students unable to pay the full price under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Children from households that meet federal guidelines are eligible for free or reduced price meals.For the upcoming school year, each household must complete one application for all children who attend the same school district.

The following household size and income criteria will be used for determining eligibility:

FEDERAL
INCOME GUIDELINES
(Effective from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006)

All meals served must meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture meal requirements. However, if a child has been determined by a doctor to have a disability and the disability would prevent the child from eating the regular school meal, this school will make substitutions prescribed by the doctor.If a substitution is needed, there will be no extra charge for the meal.If a parent or guardian feels the student needs substitutions because of a disability, they should contact the school for further information.

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. Additional copies of the application form are available at the principal’s office in each school. An application that does not contain all the required information cannot be processed and approved by the school. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free/reduced-priced meals and are encouraged to complete an application for meal benefits. 

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. Additional copies of the application form are available at the principal’s office in each school. An application that does not contain all the required information cannot be processed and approved by the school. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free/reduced-priced meals and are encouraged to complete an application for meal benefits. 

The required information is as follows: 

FOOD STAMP/TANF HOUSEHOLDS: Households that currently receive food stamps or “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families” (TANF) for their child(ren), only have to list the child(ren)’s name and food stamp or TANF case number and sign the application. If a parent or guardian receives a letter with an eligibility certification for school meals, the letter should be returned to the student’s school. The parent or guardian does not have to complete this application to receive meal benefits. Link card numbers cannot be used.

ALL OTHER HOUSEHOLDS: If a household’s income is at or below the level shown on the income scale, children are eligible for either free or reduced-price meals. Households must provide the following information: (1) the names of all household members, (2) the social security number of the adult household member signing the application, or the word “none” if the adult does not have a social security number, (3) the amount of income each household member received last month and where it comes from (wages, child support, etc.), (4) the signature of an adult household member.

The information on the application may be verified by school or other officials at any time during the school year.

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

In certain cases foster children are eligible for meal benefits regardless of the household income. Households that have foster children living with them and wish to apply for meal benefits for them should complete the application. Households that do not agree with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss it with the school. Households also have the right to a fair hearing. This can be done by calling or writing the following official: Chief Operations Officer, Aurora West Public Schools, 80 S. River St., Aurora, IL 60506, or call 630-301-5028. 

In the operation of Child Nutrition Programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap. 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.

Contact: call Becky Jo Tabone, Dist. 129 administrative assistance for the National Lunch and Breakfast Programs, 630-301-5028, bjtabone@sd129.org.