28 Jul 2003
Application forms will be distributed the first day of school—August 18
DALLAS—Students attending schools in the Dallas Independent School District for the 2003-2004 school year may apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits.
Meal application forms will be distributed to all students, August 18, the opening day of school, along with a letter of explanation to households.
This year marks a significant change when reporting income on the meal application. If the household does not receive food stamps/TANF, the amount and frequency of income must be reported by all adults in the household.
Other guidelines and regulations are listed:
Submit Only One Meal Application per School
Only one multi-child application is all that is required for all children in the household attending the same school. As an example, three children in one household attending the same elementary school will complete a single application. If that same household also has two children attending one middle school, one additional application would be required because the other two children attend a different school. Families will be notified of the eligibility of their children once a meal application has been submitted. In some cases, households will receive letters stating their household is eligible for free meals based on "direct certification" from the state.
Menus and Meal Pricing
Students in grades PreK-12 may buy breakfast for 50 cents and lunch for $1. Household size and income criteria will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits. Those students who qualify for reduced-price meals will pay only 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. Students may also elect to prepay their meals. Breakfast choices consist of fruit/juice, milk, and one other item. Lunch choices consist of an entrée, two side dishes, and milk. A variety of choices will be available daily.
Foster ChildrenFood Stamp/TANF Recipients
Households receiving food stamps or TANF only have to list their child's name and food stamp or TANF case number. An adult household member must sign the application. Households that do not list a food stamp or 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 social security number of the adult household member who signs the application. If the adult member who signs the application does not have a social security number, that person must indicate such by checking a box marked "None." An adult household member must sign all applications.
Meal Eligibility Determination
Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, school cafeteria supervisors/AA designees 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 who wish to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Dennis Barrett- Executive Manager, 8900 Old Hickory Trail, Dallas, Texas 75237.
Households that list a food stamp or TANF case number must report when the household no longer receives these benefits. Other households approved for benefits based on income information must report increases in household income of over $50 per month or $600 per year and decreases in household size. Also, if a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits.