Public Release for Free and Reduced Price Meals

Boundary County School District #101 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 Breakfast Programs. Each school and the District Office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

The following household size and income criteria will be used in determining eligibility. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals.

Income Eligibility Guidelines Effective From July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010

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.

For school officials to determine eligibility, households receiving food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) must list the child's name, their food stamp, FDPIR, or TAFI case number and the signature and name of an adult household member. Households not receiving food stamps, FDPIR, or TAFI must list: Names of all household members, the name and Social Security number of the primary wage earner or the household member who signs the application or indication that they do not have a Social Security number and all household income with the amount, source and frequency of the income received by each household member. The signature of the adult household member who signs the application certifies that the information provided is correct.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Under the provisions of free and reduced price policy the BCSD #101 Food Service Director 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 Director of Food Service, 6750 Augusta Street, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 or by telephone 267-3796 for a hearing on the decision.

In certain cases, foster children may also be eligible for school meal benefits. Each foster child requires a separate meal application. A determination will be made based on the foster child's personal use income. The information provided by the household is confidential and will be used only for the purposes of determining eligibility for federal benefits and verifying data.

"In accordance with Federal law and US 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, DC 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

Provided as a community service by Boundary County School District #101