District Announces Free & Reduced-Price Lunch Policy

Carroll Independent School District has announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price lunches for students served under the National School Lunch Program. The household size and income criteria identified will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits.

Students from households whose income is at or below the levels outlined (in the document links below) are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Foster children who are the legal responsibility of the state agency or court are eligible for free meal benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside.

Application forms are being distributed to all households (Pre-Kindergarten through 8^thgrade) with the letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children. Applications are available at the administration building (located at 3051 Dove Road in Grapevine) or school offices for grades 9-12.

To apply for free or reduced-price lunch, households must fill out the application and return it to the school or child nutrition office. Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified by the school officials at any time during the school year.

For school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits, households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits formerly Food Stamps/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) only have to list their child’s name and SNAP or TANF case number. An adult household member must sign the application.

Households that do not list a SNAP/TANF case number must list the names of the household members, the amount and source of the income received by each household member, and the last four digits of the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application. If the adult who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must indicate that a Social Security number is not available by writing the word “None,” or “No Number,” or some indication that the person does not have a Social Security number. The application must be signed by an adult household member.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-meal policy, Patti Fisher of CISD Child Nutrition Services will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the reviewing official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may request either orally or in writing to Robb Welch, Assistant Superintendent for Financial Services.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the student of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the levels shown above.

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.

LINKS

Letter to Parent/Guardian About Free & Reduced Lunches

Letter to Parent/Guardian About Free & Reduced Lunches (Spanish)

Free & Reduced Lunch Application

Free & Reduced Lunch Application (Spanish)

Income Eligibility Requirements