By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Stated announces free, reduced meal policies
mealpolicy
For each additional family member, add $5,434 per year to the income level for free meals and $7,733 to the income for reduced price meals. - photo by Graphics provided

The Georgia Department of Education recently announces its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children unable to pay the full price served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program.

School officials have adopted the following family size and income criteria for determining eligibility.

The reduced price breakfast costs no more than 30 cents and the reduced price lunch costs no more than 40 cents.

Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households should fill out the application and return it to the school.

Children from families whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

Foster children may also be eligible for these meals. Families with foster children should contact the school for information regarding benefits.

Additional forms are available at principals’ offices in schools. The information provided on the application will be used to determine eligibility and may be verified at any time with each school district required to verify a sample annually. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

The information provided by the household is confidential and will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verifying data.

Under the provisions of this policy, a school official will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the determination, he/she may contact the school either orally or in writing.

Sign up for our E-Newsletters