31 Jul 2007
Meal applications will be distributed the first day of classes—August 27
DALLAS—Students enrolled in the Dallas Independent School District for the 2007-08 school year may apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits. Meal application forms will be distributed to all children on the opening day of school, August 27, along with a letter of explanation to households.
Only one multi-child application is required for all children in the household, even if they will be attending different schools.
"As an example, three children may reside in one household. One attends an elementary school, one a middle school, and one a high school. Therefore, only one application is needed for all three children and it may be submitted to the cafeteria at any one of the three schools," said Deborah Owens, director of Compliance—Food and Child Nutrition Services.
Information on the meal application must be printed legibly in the blocks so that it can be scanned for computer imaging. This expedites the speed of processing and helps improve accuracy in eligibility determination.
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 predetermined as eligible for free meals based on "direct certification" from the state or a family identified by migrant status from the local migrant office.
Prices for Student Meals Remain the Same
Prices for breakfast and lunch remain the same as the previous 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 main item. Lunch choices consist of an entrée, three side dishes, and milk. A variety of choices will be available daily.
New "ParentOnline" Makes Prepayment Easy
All Dallas ISD school cafeterias have an automated point of sale system. This allows parents and students to prepay or place money on the student's meal account. Dallas ISD is changing its automated prepayment system to "ParentOnline". In order to view your child's school account balance or to add money using a Visa or Mastercard, simply log on to www.parentonline.net. A flyer will be attached to the meal application. 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.
Requirement When Reporting Income
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, each household's meal application will be reviewed for determination of meal 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 Dora Rivas-Executive Director, 8900 Old Hickory Trail, Dallas, Texas 75237. The telephone to Food and Child Nutrition Services is 214-932-5500.
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 Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.