Free and Reduced Price School Meals

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Dear Parent/Guardian:

The North Andover School System fully recognizes that children need healthy meals to learn. Our School Lunch Program offers healthy and nutritious meals when schools are in session for a full day. We regret that there is an increase in the cost of providing school lunches which necessitates our increasing school lunch prices as follows:

Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced-price meals. Reduced price is $.40 for lunch. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, please use the Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Application which is attached. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Please return the completed application to your child(ren)'s building principal.

Listed below are some frequently asked questions with regard to applying for free or reduced-price school lunch:

1. Who can receive free or reduced-price meals? Children in households receiving Food Stamps or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and most foster children may receive free meals, regardless of your income. Also, if your household income is within the limits on the Federal Income Chart, your children may receive free or reduced-price meals.

2. Will the information I give be checked? Yes, we may ask you to send written proof of the information you give.

3. What if I stop getting Food Stamps or TANF? If your children qualify because you listed a Food Stamp or TANF case number, you must tell the school when you no longer receive Food Stamps or TANF.

4. What if my household size or income changes? If your children qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on your income, you must tell us if your household size goes down or your income goes up by more than $50 per month ($600 per year). Call your school; you do not have to fill out another application.

5. If I don't qualify now, may I apply again later? Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start receiving Food Stamps or TANF. If you lose your job, your children may be able to receive free or reduced price meals during the time you are unemployed.

6. What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to Paul Szymanski, Director, Management Support Services 978-794-1503.

Please call 978-794-1895 if you need help or have any other questions.

Page Last Modified Tue 11-28-2006 11:05