Free or Reduced Cost Meals Eligibility

Students enrolled and attending school in the school district who meet USDA eligibility guidelines will be provided the school nutrition program services at no cost or at a reduced price.  The school district shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the overt identification of students who are eligible for free and reduced price meals.

The district shall at least twice annually notify all families of the availability, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for free or reduced price meals in accordance with state and federal law.  

It is the responsibility of the Business Office to determine the eligibility of students for free or reduced price school nutrition programs, in accordance with criteria established by state and federal law.  If school personnel have knowledge of a student who is in need of free or reduced-price meals, school personnel shall contact the Business Office.

If a student owes money for five or more meals, the Nutrition Director may contact the student’s parent or guardian to provide information regarding the application for free or reduced price meals.  The school is encouraged to provide reimbursable meals to students who request reimbursable meals unless the students’ parent or guardian has specifically provided written direction to the school to withhold a meal from the student.  

Employees will be required to pay for meals consumed.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for implementing this policy.
  

NOTE: There are three places in the policy where the board must identify the positions that will be responsible for determining free or reduced cost meal eligibility for the school nutrition programs. The board should ensure that the positions identified are authorized by applicable law to process information as designated in the National School Lunch program annual application. 

Cross References