State announces free and reduced-price meals policy for 2013-14
The Delaware Department of Education has announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy for free and reduced-price meals for children unable to pay the full price for meals served under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and After School Snack Program. Each participating school and its administrative office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
Meal Benefit Forms will be sent home with a letter to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households should fill out the Meal Benefit Form for their household and return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school. The information provided on the Meal Benefit Forms will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials.
For school officials to determine eligibility, households receiving food stamps and/or Delaware - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families must list the child’s name, their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and/or DE-TANF case number and provide a signature and name of an adult household member. Households not receiving SNAP and/or DE-TANF must list names of all household members; the amount of gross income for each household member received last month; the income source and how often received; the signature of an adult household member; and that adult’s last four digits of Social Security number, or the word “none” or “No Social Security Number” box marked if the adult does not have a Social Security number. Meal Benefit Forms may be submitted at any time during the school year.
Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, the school nutrition services supervisor will review Meal Benefit Forms and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents or guardians wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing to the administrative office for a hearing on the decision.
Children who are homeless, migrant, runaway or in foster care are eligible for school meal benefits. In certain instances, children receiving WIC also may be eligible. Parents or guardians wishing to apply should follow the instructions on the Meal Benefit Form or contact their school for more information.
Households may report changes or reapply for meal benefits anytime during the school year.
The information provided by the household is confidential and will be used only for purposes of determining eligibility and verifying data.
