School lunch program applications start today

Sean Prevatt, Director of Food and Nutrition Services, has provided information for Historic City News readers about the 2013-2014 St Johns County School District policy regarding free and reduced price meals for students under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs and Child Care Food Program.

Enrollment applications may be submitted beginning today and at any time during the school year. Foster children will receive free benefits regardless of the child’s personal income or the income of the household; and, households that receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program have to provide minimal application information.

Meal pricing at St Johns County elementary schools are $2.35 (lunch) and $1.25 (breakfast). Middle and high school prices are $2.60 (lunch) and $1.25 (breakfast). Eligible students under the reduced-price meal policy will pay 30¢ (breakfast) and 40¢ (lunch).

To apply for free or reduced-price meals, complete an application online at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/depts/business/food/free beginning August 1, 2013. Application forms can also be sent home with a letter to parents or guardians, and are available at the front office in each school. Completed application forms must be returned to the school or district office.

Under the provisions of the local free and reduced-price meal policy, the Food Service Director or approved designee will review applications and determine eligibility. Prevatt said that he will use household size and income as the criteria to determine a student’s eligibility.

“Although we cannot approve an application unless it contains complete eligibility information, once it is approved, meal benefits are good for an entire school year,” Prevatt told reporters. “You do not need to notify the school district of increases in income or decreases in household size throughout the year.”