Polk County Public Schools
Applications are available at each Polk County public school for the 2010-2011 Free and Reduced Price Meal Program.
Polk Public Schools, under the National School Lunch and Breakfast program, serves free and reduced price meals for needy children unable to pay the full price for meals. Criteria for program eligibility includes household size and income. For complete information, guidelines and eligibility requirements on the free and reduced price meal program, call the Polk County Public Schools Foodservice Department at (863) 534-0588.
There are specialized application instructions for foster children, families of homeless and migrant children and children in other circumstances. Families with children in these and other circumstances should call the Foodservice Department about how to apply. Income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced price meals are listed below.
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice Per Month | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20,036 | 1,670 | 835 | 771 | 386 |
| 2 | 26,955 | 2,247 | 1,124 | 1,037 | 519 |
| 3 | 33,874 | 2,823 | 1,412 | 1,303 | 652 |
| 4 | 40,793 | 3,400 | 1,700 | 1,569 | 785 |
| 5 | 47,712 | 3,976 | 1,988 | 1,836 | 918 |
| 6 | 54,631 | 4,553 | 2,277 | 2,102 | 1,051 |
| 7 | 61,550 | 5,130 | 2,565 | 2,368 | 1,184 |
| 8 | 68,469 | 5,706 | 2,853 | 2,634 | 1,317 |
| Each additional family member, add: | 6,919 | 577 | 289 | 267 | 134 |
The total income before taxes, social security, health benefits, union dues or other deductions must be reported.
Under the provisions of the Free and Reduced Price meal policy, the Foodservice 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. Please contact Betty Blankenship at 863-534-0588. If the parent wishes to make a formal appeal, he or she may make a request either orally or in writing to: Dr. Gail McKinzie, Superintendent of Schools, P.O. Box 391, Bartow, FL 33831 or 863-534-0521.
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.
Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA-related activity should write or call immediately to:
USDA
Director, Office of Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20250-9410
(800)795-3272 (voice) (202)720-6382(TTY)
