This is a repost for all those whose schools opened after Labor Day. In that pile of forms that you may have gotten the first week is an application for the Free and Reduced Lunch program. With unemployment at recent record highs, there are many more families that could be taking advantage of this program, but may not be aware that they could benefit.
For example, did you know that:
• a family of 4 with an income of $40,793 or less qualifies for reduced lunches?
• a family of 3 with an income of $23,803 or less qualifies for free lunches?
Given a school lunch costing $2.20 per day, that can mean almost $400 in savings per student. In addition, students in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program also qualify for having school fees and field trip costs either reduced or waived.
Follow below for the link to see the full income eligibility guidelines AND how you can take advantage of the program without embarrassing your favorite student. And, don't worry if you threw the form away. You can get another at the school, and you can apply at anytime.
Times are tough, and many families are being pushed to the brink. We have three teachers' families who have applied for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, this year, due to spouses losing their jobs.
Even if you think you may not be eligible, I encourage you to take a look at the guideline table. Simply click on the link below and select the 2009 - 2010 link.
Free and Reduced Lunch Eligibility Guidelines
FAQ's
- Do children in the program get made fun of by other students? Most schools have gone to a PIN code punch system for lunches. ALL students punch in a number, so no one ever knows that the lunch fee was reduced or free. Check with your school about it.
- Do teachers make a point of which students get fees and field trips waived? Not if they plan on continuing to be a teacher. It is a very confidential matter, and NOT to be shared in any way.
- What if my child doesn't bring a form home, or what if I threw the form away? Call the school, or go there and fill it out. Most of our parents who participate bring the form in directly, since they don't want their child to be responsible for bringing it in.
- What if I get a job and/ or a better job? I guess you could call into the office and opt out, but it's not like there are free lunch police that I know of. While the ethical thing to do would be to opt out, our school understands that a long period of unemployment does not reverse financial difficulties overnight. It's pretty much an honor system situation, and you know your situation best.
- Does my child even have to know that I've signed them up? If there is a key punch system, probably not.
- What about free breakfasts? Free lunch students also get free breakfast.
- Is it a long form and difficult process? No. It is a very short and easy form that does not require any additional paperwork or supporting documentation. Most schools process it within a week.
- Is there a deadline for the program? No. You can fill out an application at anytime. So, if you threw it out, you can go into the school office
If you have any other questions, please ask away in the comments section. I hope this might be helpful. Studies have shown that many, many families who could be using this program are not signed up.
A few hundred extra dollars could be going toward shoes, a warm coat, school supplies ... And, you'd be helping the school, as well! The number of free and reduced lunch students is often one factor in a school becoming eligible for grants and extra money from the state and federal government. As a result, our school staff happily always has extra forms at the front desk and is very helpful, respectful, and supportive of parents who come in to fill one out.