FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS AT SCHOOL:

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS

Note: An application formfor the National School Breakfast & Lunch Program was included in the"Forms Packet" each student brought home at the start of the schoolyear.  If you have already sent in yourapplication or letter of direct certification for free or reduced price meals,this memo does not apply to you; if you have not, we urge you to take a fewminutes to review the following information. 

To obtain an application, download and print the file attached below, or call theschool office (635-2211 ext. 0) or send a noteto school, and we'll send you an application.

The National School Breakfast & Lunch Programentitles children living in households who meet certain income eligibilityguidelines to receive breakfast and/or lunch at school either free or for areduced price. Also, any family receiving "3SquaresVT" or "Reach Up" assistancefor their children is automatically eligible for free meals at school.  The program is paid for by the federalgovernment to promote and support good nutrition for children.

Normally, more than half of all JESstudents are eligible for the program. For example, this year, a family of fourwith a household income of $39,220 a year (which is $3,269/month or $755/week)qualifies for the reduced-price program. The reduced-price cost is $.40per lunch, versus the full price of $2.00; this means a savings of $1.60 perlunch, which can really add up over the course of a year. And studentseligible for reduced price lunch receive FREE breakfast too.

The application form is quite easy to fill out, and weare happy to help if you have questions. Personal income information you report is held in strict confidence within the school.  Students have the same meal card, whether they participate in theprogram or not; the only difference is how much you pay.  Applying for the program does not mean yourchildren have to buy meals at school, just that they will pay the lower cost,or get the meal free, if they ever buy meals at school.  Furthermore, some state and federal fundingfor our school is determined by how many of our students participate in themeals program. This means that if youare eligible and you complete the form, you are helping the school, even ifyour child never buys a single meal.

Finally, if you are not eligible now, but circumstanceschange during the year, and your household income decreases, then you maysubmit an application at that time. 

If you have not done soalready, please click the links below to review current eligibility guidelines andthen submit an application if you think your child may be eligible -- this is abenefit to which you clearly are entitled if you meet the guidelines. A "Frequently Asked Questions" document is also attached.