(FRANKFORT, Ky.) -- The latest criteria for school meals program eligibility were released today by the Kentucky Department of Education.
This 2003-04 schedule replaces the 2002-03 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 Kentucky 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 2003-04 household size and income criteria for determining eligibility are:
HOUSEHOLD INCOME - INCOME -
SIZE FREE REDUCED-PRICE
1 0 to $11,674 $11,675 to $16,613
2 0 to $15,756 $15,757 to $22,422
3 0 to $19,838 $19,839 to $28,231
4 0 to $23,920 $23,921 to $34,040
5 0 to $28,002 $28,003 to $39,849
6 0 to $32,084 $32,085 to $45,658
7 0 to $36,166 $36,167 to $51,467
8 0 to $40,248 $40,249 to $57,276
For each additional household member, add $4,082 per year to the income level for free meals and $5,809+ 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 Paul McElwain, Division of School and Community Nutrition, 2545 Lawrenceburg Road, Frankfort, KY 40601; phone (502) 564-5625.
In the operation of child nutrition programs, no child shall be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion or disability. Anyone who believes he or she has been discriminated against should write to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.
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