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                         August 9, 2002

WPS announces school lunch program policies

West Point Schools today announced a free and reduced-price meal policy for all area school children, and a free-milk program for eligible preschoolers. Local school officials have adopted the following family eligibility criteria to assist them in determining eligibility.

Food Stamp, ADC, TANF, FDPIR households
Households which currently include children who receive Food Stamps or Aid to Dependent Children, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations must complete an application listing the child’s name, a food stamp or ADC, TANF or FDPIR number and the signature of an adult household member or provide a direct certification letter from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Children in the household with the same case number may be included on the same application. Separate applications are required for children in the same household with different case numbers. If the family does not list a food stamp, ADC, TANF or FDPIR number for all the children for whom they are applying, then the application must contain all the information as required for "other households" as described below.

Other households
Households with incomes the same or below the amount of money required for their family size may be eligible for, and are urged to apply for, free or reduced-price meals (or free milk for preschoolers only). They may do so by filling in the application forms that will be sent home with a letter to parents. Additional copies are available in the registrar’s office in the elementary school.

Applications may be submitted any time during the year to the superintendent of schools. If a family member becomes unemployed, if the family size decreases or if your family income increases by more than $50 per month or $600 per year, the family must contact the school to file a new application. The form requests information needed to determine economic need based on the income and number of persons in the family.

The information provided on the application will be confidential and will be used for determining eligibility. The names and eligibility status of participants may also be used for the allocation of funds to federal education programs such as Title I and National Assessment of Education Progress, state health or state education programs (provided the state agency or local education agency administers the programs) and for federal, state or local means-tested nutrition programs with eligibility standards comparable to the NSLP.

Eligibility information may also be released to programs authorized under the National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act. The release of information to any program or entity not specifically authorized by the NSLA will require a written consent statement from the parent or guardian.

The school district does, however, have the right to verify at any time during the school year the information on the application. If a parent does not give the school this information, the child will no longer be able to receive free or reduced-price meals (or free milk for eligible preschoolers).

Foster children may also be eligible for these benefits. An application for a foster child must contain the child’s name, the child’s "personal use" income and an adult’s signature.

Application review
Under the provisions of the policy, the designated official will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the designated official, he/she may make a request either orally or in writing for a hearing to appeal the decision. Lawanna H. Mangleburg, superintendent of schools, whose address is 705-A Barry Road, West Point, N.Y., 10996, has been designated as the hearing official. Hearing procedures are outlined in the policy. However, prior to initiating the hearing procedure, the parent or school food authority may request a conference to provide an opportunity for the parent and official to discuss the situation, present information and obtain an explanation of the data submitted in the application or the decisions rendered. The request for a conference shall not in any way prejudice or diminish the right to a fair hearing.

Only complete applications can be approved. This includes complete and accurate information regarding: the Food Stamp/ADC/TANF or FDPIR number; the names of all household members; the social security number of the person who signs the form or an indication that the adult does not have one; and the amount and source of income received by each household member. Also, the parent or guardian must sign the application form, certifying the information is true and correct.

In the operation of Child Nutrition Programs, no child shall be discriminated against because of race, gender or sexual orientation, color, national origin, age or handicap. If any member of a household believes they have been discriminated against, they should write to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.

A complete copy of this policy is on file in the Office of the School Food Authority District Administrator.