August 1, 2001

Contacts:
Rick Mariam,
Director of Food Services, 213-8054, or
Miriam Kerns, Community Relations, 213-8025



Pattonville Announces Lunch Policy

The Pattonville School District will participate in the free and reduced price policy for school children unable to pay the full price of meals served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Local education officials have adopted the following family-size income criteria for determining eligibility:

Children from families whose current income is at or below those shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Meal Benefit forms are available at the principal's office in each school. To apply, fill out an application and return it to the school. The information provided on the Meal Benefit form is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility. Meal benefit forms may be submitted any time during the school year. A complete Meal Benefit form is required as a condition of eligibility that includes (1) household income from all sources or food stamp/temporary assistance case number, (2) names of all household members, and (3) the signature and social security number of adult household member signing application. Current income may be verified at any time during the school year by school officials.
Foster children may be eligible regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. A foster child is considered a family of one and only personal use income is counted to determine eligibility.
If a family member becomes unemployed or if family size changes, the family should contact the school to file a new Meals Benefit form. Such changes may make the children of the family eligible for these benefits. Recipients of free and reduced price benefits must notify the school of any changes during the school year in family size and increases of income over $50 per month or change in eligibility for food stamps or temporary assistance.
Under the provisions of the policy, the Building Principal will review Meal Benefit forms and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the official, he or she may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis or make a request either orally or in writing to the Food and Nutrition Service Director whose address is 2497 Creve Coeur Mill Rd., Maryland Heights, MO 63043 for a hearing to appeal the decision.
Hearing procedures are outlined in the policy. A complete copy of the policy is on file in each school and at the Pattonville Learning Center where it may be reviewed by any interested party.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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