710.02 - Free or Reduced Cost Meals Eligibility

Students enrolled and attending school in the school district who meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) eligibility guidelines will be provided the school nutrition program services at no cost or at a reduced price.  The school district shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the overt identification of students who are eligible for free and reduced price meals.

The district shall at least twice annually notify all families of the availability, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for free or reduced price meals in accordance with state and federal law.

It shall be the responsibility of Director of Food Service to determine the eligibility of students for free or reduced price school nutrition programs, in accordance with criteria established by state and federal law.  If school personnel have knowledge of a student who is in need of free or reduced price meals, school personnel shall contact the Director of Food Service.

If a student owes money for five or more meals, the Director of Food Service may contact the student’s parent or guardian to provide information regarding the application for free or reduced price meals.  The school is encouraged to provide reimbursable meals to students who request reimbursable meals unless the students’ parent or guardian has specifically provided written direction to the school to withhold a meal from the student.

Employees will be required to pay for meals consumed.

It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations for implementing this policy.

 

 

Legal Reference:  42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.
                                      7 C.F.R. §§ 210 et seq.
                                       Iowa Code § 283A
                                       281 I.A.C. 58.

Cross Reference:  710.1   School Nutrition Program
                                      710.3   Vending Machines
                                      710.4   Meal Charge Policy

Approved 11/1/2004                             Reviewed 01/19/2015                           Revised 12/21/2009
                                                                                            12/17/2018                                            06/19/2017
                                                                                             01/20/2020                                           12/17/2018