(FRANKFORT, Ky.) -- The 2004-05 income and household size criteria for school meals eligibility is now available, the Kentucky Department of Education announced today. The new schedule replaces the 2003-04 criteria.
Each year the federal government revises guidelines for school districts to follow when implementing free and reduced-price meal programs. Children from households whose income is at or below specific levels are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. All school districts offer free and reduced-price meals to students from eligible families.
Studies show that children who eat breakfast and lunch have better attendance rates, longer attention spans and improved academic performance.
School districts participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast program will send application forms to students' homes for parents or guardians to fill out and return. District officials review applications and determine eligibility. Parents may call the superintendent's office in their district for more information and application forms.
The 2004-05 household size and income criteria for determining eligibility are:
HOUSEHOLD SIZE FREE MEALS
If family income is: 1 $0 to $12,103
2 $0 to $16,237
3 $0 to $20,371
4 $0 to $24,505
5 $0 to $28,639
6 $0 to $32,773
7 $0 to $36,907
8 $0 to $41,041
HOUSEHOLD SIZE REDUCED-PRICE MEALS
If family income is:
1 $12,104 to $17,224
2 $16,238 to $23,107 3 $20,372 to $28,990 4 $24,506 to $34,873
5 $28,640 to $40,756
6 $32,774 to $46,639
7 $36,908 to $52,522
8 $41,042 to $58,405
For each additional household member, add $4,134 per year to the income level for free meals and $5,883 to the income for reduced-price meals.
To be considered, the application must include:
- Child's name
- Food stamp or Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) case number
- Amount of family income and number of members of household if not receiving food stamps or K-TAP
- Signature of an adult household member verifying information
Details are available from the Division of School and Community Nutrition, 2545 Lawrenceburg Road, Frankfort KY 40601; phone (502) 564-5625.
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 to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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