Categorized | Education

DOE releases income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price meals

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) has announced its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Copies of the policy are available at public schools.

Children from households with income at or below the following levels are eligible for free or reduced-price meals:

income-chart-544

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 one application and return it to the school where the child is enrolled or complete an online application via ezmealapp.com. Applications for the current school year (2013-2014) will be accepted beginning July 1, 2013. The application information will be used to determine eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials.

For the DOE to determine eligibility, households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) must list the child’s name, date of birth, grade, school code, SNAP or TANF case number, and the signature and name of an adult household member. Households not receiving SNAP or TANF must list: 1) the names of all household members; 2) the amount of income received by each person, how often the income is received and the source of the income; 3) the name and social security number of either parent/guardian who is the primary wage earner or the adult household member who signs the form or writes the word “none” if neither adult household member has a social security number; and 4) the signature of an adult household member.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, the DOE will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians may discuss a decision on an application with the reviewing official on an informal basis. Parents or guardians may also request a formal appeal hearing on a decision either orally or in writing to:

Name of Hearing Official: Glenna Owens, DOE School Food Services Director
Address: 1106 Koko Head Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone Number: (808) 733-8414 or toll-free 1-800-441-4845

In certain cases, foster children are also eligible for school meal benefits. Households wishing to apply for meal benefits on behalf of foster children should contact the school for more information.

The information provided by the household is confidential and will be used only to determine eligibility and verify data.

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. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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