District announces eligibility guidelines for free or reduced lunch

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NEWS_LunchGuidelines

NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck public school system recently announced its policy for determining eligibility for free or reduced-price meals under the national school lunch and school breakfast programs.

The income guidelines (pictured in the graph) will be used in Connecticut from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 for determining eligibility. Children from families whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents. They can be filled out and returned to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office at each school. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

No application is required if the district directly certifies a child based on a household member receiving assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Family Assistance program.

When known to school officials, households will be notified of any child’s eligibility if the individual child is categorized as either homeless, runaway as defined by law, or enrolled in an eligible Head Start, Even Start or pre-kindergarten class as defined by law. For any child not listed on the eligibility notice, the households should contact the district or school.

Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster child from receiving free meal benefits.

Applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Parents can request a formal appeal of the decision in writing to Bernice Rizk, Assistant Business Manager, 497 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck CT, 06770, or by calling 203-720-5265.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if household size changes at any time, the family should contact their school to file a new application.