(FRANKFORT, Ky.) –Income and household size criteria for school meals program eligibility in the 2006-07 school year has been released by the Kentucky Department of Education.
The new schedule replaces the 2005-06 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 districts for more information and application forms.
The 2006-2007 household size and income criteria for determining eligibility are:
FREE MEALS
Household
Size If Family Income is
1 0 TO $12,740
2 0 TO $17,160
3 0 TO $21,580
4 0 TO $26,000
5 0 TO $30,420
6 0 TO $34,840
7 0 TO $39,260
8 0 TO $43,680
REDUCED PRICE MEALS
Household
Size If Family Income is
1 $12,741 TO $18,130
2 $17,161 TO $24,420
3 $21,581 TO $30,710
4 $26,001 TO $37,000
5 $30,421 TO $43,290
6 $34,841 TO $49,580
7 $39,261 TO $55,870
8 $43,681 TO $62,160
For each additional household member, add $4,420 per year to the income level for free meals and $6,290 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 Kentucky Department of Education's Division of Nutrition and Health Services, 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 USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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