The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Staff Report - For The Record

Orangefield ISD today announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for students served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

Each school 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-price benefits. Students from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Foster children who are the legal responsibility of the state agency or court are eligible for free meal benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside.

Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children. Applications also are available at the administration 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 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly Food Stamps)/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) only have to list their child's name and SNAP or TANF case number. An adult household member must sign the application.

Households that do not list a SNAP/TANF case number must list the names of all household members, the amount and source of the income received by each household member, and the last four digits of 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 reduced-price meal policy, Brian Ousley 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 an 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 Dr. Stephen Patterson.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the students 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 on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.