(FRANKFORT, Ky.) -- Today, the Kentucky Department of Education released 2005-06 income and household size criteria for school meals program eligibility.
The new schedule replaces the 2004-05 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 2005-06 household size and income criteria for determining eligibility are:
HOUSEHOLD FREE MEALS REDUCED-PRICE
SIZE MEALS
if family income is if family income is
1 $0 to $12,441 $12,442 to $17,705
2 $0 to $16,679 $16,680 to $23,736
3 $0 to $20,917 $20,918 to $29,767
4 $0 to $25,155 $25,156 to $35,798
5 $0 to $29,393 $29,394 to $41,829
6 $0 to $33,631 $33,632 to $47,860
7 $0 to $37,869 $37,870 to $53,891
8 $0 to $42,107 $42,108 to $59,922
For each additional household member, add $4,238 per year to the income level for free meals and $6,031 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
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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