Families can apply for free, reduced lunches

The Hamilton School District announced its policy for children unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, or milk served under the Special Milk Program. Each school office and the district office have copies of the policy for those who are interested.

Household size and income criteria determine eligibility. Children from families whose annual income is at or below the established levels are eligible for free and reduced price meals or free milk if a split-session student does not have access to the school lunch or breakfast service.

Annual income maximum for free lunch or milk

Household size — income maximum

1 — $14,079

2 — $18,941

3 — $23,803

4 — $28,665

5 — $33,527

6 — $38,389

7 — $43,251

8 — $48,113

For each additional household member, add $4,862.

Annual income range for reduced lunch or milk

Household size — income range

1 — $14,079.01 and $20,036

2 — $18,941.01 and $26,955

3 — $23,803.01 and $33,874

4 — $28,665.01 and $40,793

5 — $33,527.01 and $47,712

6 — $38,389.01 and $54,631

7 — $43,251.01 and $61,550

8 — $48,113.01 and $68,469

For each additional household member, add $4,862 to $6,919 to range.

Monthly income maximum for free lunch or milk

Household size — income maximum

1 — $1,174

2 — $1,579

3 — $1,984

4 — $2,389

5 — $2,794

6 — $3,200

7 — $3,605

8 — $4,010

For each additional household member, add $406.

Monthly income range for reduced lunch or milk

Household size — income range

1 — $1,174.01 and $1,670

2 — $1,579.01 and $2,247

3 — $1,984.01 and $2,823

4 — $2,389.01 and $3,400

5 — $2,794.01 and $3,976

6 — $3,200.01 and $4,553

7 — $3,605.01 and $5,130

8 — $4,010.01 and $5,706

For each additional household member, add $406 to $577 to range.

Application forms are being sent to all homes with a notice to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced price meals or free milk, households must fill out the application and return it to the school. Additional copies are available in the principal's office in each school. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size changes and the household income falls at or below the levels shown above, the family should contact the school. Such changes may make households eligible for reduced price meals or free meals or milk, and they may reapply at that time.

In certain cases, foster children are also eligible for these benefits. If a household has foster children and wishes to apply for free or reduced price meals, the household should complete an application for a family of one or contact the school for more information.

The information provided by the household on the application is confidential. Under this program, no child will be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, national origin, age or disability.

For more information, contact Judy Pinter, Hamilton School District food service manager, at (262) 246-1973 x1142.