16 Jul 2004
Application forms for Free or Reduced-Price Meals To Be Distributed Aug. 16
DALLAS—Students attending Dallas Independent School District schools for the 2004-2005 school year may apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits the first day of classes, Aug. 16.
"Meal application forms will be distributed along with a letter of explanation to households," said Michael Stiles, specialist—Food Operations and Compliance. "Information on the meal application must be legibly printed in the blocks so that it can be scanned for computer imaging. This expedites the process and helps improve accuracy in eligibility determination."
New Prices for New School Year
Prices for breakfast and lunch will increase by 25 cents for the new school year. Students in grades PreK-12 may buy breakfast for 75 cents and lunch for $1.25. 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. Breakfast choices consist of milk, fruit or juice, and one other item. Lunch choices consist of an entrée, two side dishes, and milk. A variety of choices will be available daily.
Automated System Makes Prepayment Easier
All DISD school cafeterias now have an automated point of sale system. This allows parents and students to prepay or place money on the student's account to make it easier and more convenient to purchase their meals. Money placed on a student's account will follow the student's permanent student identification number. Therefore, if a student changes schools within the district, the money follows the student.
Submit Only One Meal Application per School
Only one multi-child application 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.
New Requirement When Reporting Income
This year marks a significant change when reporting income on the meal application. Households that do not list a food stamp or TANF case number must list the names of all household members including the amount and frequency of income for each person. If a person listed does not earn income, this must be indicated by selecting the "no income" box. An adult household member must sign the application and list their social security number. If the signer does not have a social security number, the box indicating no social security number must be checked.
Foster Children
Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may also be eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child's income and must be listed on a separate application. An adult household member must sign the application.
Food 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.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 wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to David Brown- Interim Division 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.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 202/720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Application forms for Free or Reduced-Price Meals To Be Distributed Aug. 16