Printer Friendly Version - North Branford Public Schools Child Nutrition Program

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08/29/2012 11:00 AM

North Branford Public Schools Child Nutrition Program

North Branford Public Schools today announced its policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free or reduced price meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs or free milk served under the Special Milk Program.

Local school officials have adopted the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Income Eligibility Guidelines following family size and income criteria for determining eligibility.

The following income guidelines will be used in Connecticut from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 for determining eligibility of participants for free and reduced price meals and free milk in the Child Nutrition Programs.

FREE MEALS/MILK REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Number in Family

Annual Gross Income

Monthly Gross Income

Every Two Weeks Gross Income

Weekly Gross Income

Number in Family

Annual Gross Income

Monthly Gross Income

Every Two Weeks Gross Income

Weekly Gross Income

14,521

1,211

559

280

20,665

1,723

795

398

19,669

1,640

757

379

27,991

2,333

1,077

539

24,817

2,069

955

478

35,317

2,944

1,359

680

29,965

2,498

1,153

577

42,643

3,554

1,641

821

35,113

2,927

1,351

676

49,969

4,165

1,922

961

40,261

3,356

1,549

775

57,295

4,775

2,204

1,102

45,409

3,785

1,747

874

64,621

5,386

2,486

1,243

50,557

4,214

1,945

973

71,947

5,996

2,768

1,384

Each Add'l Family Member

+5,148

+ 429

+ 198

+99

Each Add'l Family Member

+ 7,326

+ 611

+ 282

+ 141

To determine annual income:

If income is received: Weekly Multiply by: 52

Every Two Weeks 26

Monthly 12

If income is reported as twice per month, convert to annual income.

Children from families whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents. To apply for free or reduced price meals, households should fill out the application and return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office at each school. The information provided on each application is confidential and will be used only for the purposes of determining eligibility, and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Application forms for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) households require the name of the person in the household receiving the SNAP or TFA benefits and their case number. The signature of adult household member is also required. Households receiving assistance under the SNAP/TFA programs will be notified of their eligibility and their children will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits. Households receiving SNAP benefits or TFA for their children should only submit an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by Sept. 1, 2012.

Additionally, households receiving SNAP benefits or TFA for their children may receive a direct certification letter from the Department of Social Services. These letters will automatically qualify a child for free meals and may be submitted instead of an application to the school. Application forms for all other households require a statement of the total household income, household size, and names of all household members. The last four digits of the social security number of an adult household member must be included or a statement that the household member does not possess one. The adult household member must also sign the application certifying that the information provided is correct.

Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals. A foster parent does not have to complete a free/reduced meal application if they can submit a copy of the legal document or legal court order showing that the child is a foster child. Additionally, a foster child is categorically eligible for free meals and may be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster child from receiving meal benefits. Note, however, that a foster child’s free eligibility does not automatically extend to all students in the household.

Under the provisions of the policy for determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals, the School Principals will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official, he/she may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis.

If he/she wishes to make a formal appeal, a request either orally or in writing may be made to Superintendent Scott Schoonmaker, P.O. Box 129, Northford, CT 06472 (phone: 203-484-1440)for a hearing to appeal the decision. The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure. Each school and the central office of the school district have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by an interested party. If a household member becomes unemployed, or if household size changes at any time, the family should contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for reduced price meals, free meals, or free milk, if the family 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 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 Ave. SW,Washington,DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDAQ is an equal opportunity provider and employer.