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Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications Now Available

August 7, 2012

corn and oranges in the lunch lineApplications are now available at each Polk County public school for the 2012-2013 free and reduced price meal program.

The National School Lunch and Breakfast program provides free and reduced price meals to students unable to pay the full price for meals. Household size and income will be used to determine eligibility. For complete information, guidelines and eligibility requirements needed for the free and reduced price meal program, contact the Polk County Public Schools Nutrition Department at 863.534.0588.

There are specialized application instructions for foster children, families of homeless and migrant children and children in other circumstances. The application also includes specialized instructions for households that receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). Florida income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced price meals are listed below. The following information is effective until June 30, 2013.

FREE MEAL SCALE

Household Size

Annual

Monthly

Twice Per Month

Every Two Weeks

Weekly

1

14,521

1,211

606

559

280

2

19,669

1,640

820

757

379

3

24,817

2,069

1,035

955

478

4

29,965

2,498

1,249

1,153

577

5

35,113

2,927

1,464

1,351

676

6

40,261

3,356

1,678

1,549

577

7

45,409

3,785

1,893

1,747

874

8

50,557

4,214

2,107

1,945

973

For each additional family member, add

5,148

429

215

198

99

REDUCED-PRICE MEAL SCALE

Household  Size

Annual

Monthly

Twice Per Month

Every Two Weeks

Weekly

1

20,665

1,723

862

795

398

2

27,991

2,333

1,167

1,077

539

3

35,317

2,944

1,472

1,359

680

4

42,643

3,554

1,777

1,641

821

5

49,969

4,165

2,083

1,922

961

6

57,295

4,775

2,388

2,204

1,102

7

64,621

5,386

2,693

2,486

1,243

8

71,947

5,996

2,998

2,768

1,384

For each additional family member, add

7,326

611

306

282

141

Under the provisions of the Free and Reduced Price meal policy, the School Nutrition Department will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the ruling of the official, he or she may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. If the parent wishes to make a formal appeal, he or she may make a request either orally or in writing to: Carol Wynn-Green, P.O. Box 391, Bartow, FL 33831, 863.534.0513.

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 Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free 866.632.9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800.877.8339; or 800.845.6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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