Troup ISD reports free lunch policies

Troup Independent School District has announced its policy for providing free and reducedprice meals for children served under the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast program. Each school office or the Child Nutrition Office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

The household size and income criteria identified in the chart will be used to determine eligibility for free and reducedprice benefits.

Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown in the table are eligible for free or reduced price meals.

Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may also be eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside.

Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing guardians of the availability of free and reduced-price meals.

Applications are also available at the principal's office on each campus.

To apply, households must fill out the application and return it to the school cafeteria manager. 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 school officials any time during the school year.

For school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced price benefits, households receiving Food Stamps/ Temporary Assistance for Need Families (TANF) only have to list their child's name and food stamp or TANF case number. An adult household member must sign the application.

Households that do not list a Food Stamp/TANF case number must list the names of all household members, the amount and source of the income received by each household member and the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application.

"None" or "no number" should be indicated if the adult who signs the application does not have a Social Security number.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, Renee Medford 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 decisions may make a request either orally or in writing to the food ser vices director at 903-842- 5147.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the Child Nutrition Office. Such changes may make the children 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 the 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, 1400 Independence Ave. Southwest, Washington, D.C. 20250-9411, or call 800-795-3272 or 202-720- 6382.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.