Public Release for Free and Reduced Price Meals

(Make appropriate changes as applicable to reflect the programs operated)

This is the public release that was sent to Bonners Ferry Herald  8/25/11

BCSD #101 today announced its policy for free and reduced price meals for children unable to pay the full price for meals served under the (National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program).  Each school and the office of the School Distict have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians.  To apply for free or reduced price meals, households should fill out the application and return it to the school.  Additional copies are available from the principal's office in each school. The information provided on the application 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.

Households with any member who is receiving Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) or Food Distribution on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are only required to provide the recipient’s name, their food stamp, TAFI or FDPIR case number, the student/s name and an adult signature.

For other applicants, the household must list the names of all household members, all household income with the amount, source and frequency of the income received by each household member.  If a household member does not have income, the no income box must be checked.  An adult signature is required along with the last 4 digits of the adult’s social security number.  The signature of the adult household member certifies that the information provided is correct.

You may include all foster children’s names on a household application with other non-foster children.  Foster children are eligible for school meal benefits.  Foster children must be the legal responsibility of the welfare agency or the court. 

Students who are homeless, runaway or migrant are also eligible for benefits.  Household members do not have to be US citizens for students to qualify for benefits.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Under the provisions of free and reduced price policy (title of determining official[s]) will review the applications and determine eligibility.  Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official(s) may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official(s) on an informal basis.  Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing to (Name, address, and telephone number of the hearing official) for a hearing on the decision.

The school MAY share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.

Non-Discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly.  “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.”