Your children may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The household size and income criteria are used to determined eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified by the school officials at any time during the school year.

Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may also be eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child’s income.

To apply for benefits, simply complete an application form. Forms were mailed to district households and are also are available in the main office at your child’s campus or at the Administration Building (802 S. Main). A new application must be completed each school year. Applications are available in English or Spanish. One application may be used to enroll all children in the household with the exception of foster children, who require a separate application. Applications should be returned to the school or Nutrition Services Office (6915 Cedar Ridge Dr.).

The district accepts free and reduced breakfast and lunch program applications any time during the school year, but encourages parents to apply at the beginning of the year so students may receive benefits all year long.

For school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-priced benefits, households receiving food stamps of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) only have to list their child’s name and food stamp or TANF case number. An adult household member must sign the application.

Households that do not list a food stamp or TANF case number must list the names of all household members, the amount and source of the income received by each household member, and the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application. If the adult who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must indicate that a Social Security number is not available by writing the word “None,” “No Number,” or some indication to that effect. The application must be signed by an adult household member.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the Director of Nutrition Services will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the reviewing official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Jeff Dozier, Deputy Superintendent for Administrative Services, 802 S. Main, Duncanville, TX 75137 (972-708-2000).

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the levels shown above.

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.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Right, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., Southwest, Washington, D. C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382(TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.