Dear Parent/Guardian:

1. Do I need to fill out an application for each child?  ? No. Complete the application to apply for free or reduced price meals. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household.We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to: the school cafeteria manager of the youngest child or mail to: 5270 Northfield Blvd., College Park, GA 30349.

2. Do I need to pay for my child’s meals until the application is approved? Yes. The household is responsible for all meal payments until the application is approved. You will be notified in writing. A letter of Eligibility Notification will be sent to the school of your youngest child.

3. Who should I include as members of my household? You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends). You must include yourself and all children who live with you.

4. Is the “Box MUST be checked if no Income” required to be marked? Yes. This box MUST be checked for all household members that do not have income. If this box is not checked it will delay processing your child’s application..

5. What if my income is not always the same? List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally get $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but not if you get it only sometimes.

6. Who can get free or reduced priced meals? Any member member in the household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly the Food Stamp Program) or TANF benefits are eligible for free meals. You must include the SNAP number or TANF number on the application in Part 1or Part 2. Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income. Also, households where income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines can get free or reduced-price meals. If you live with other people who are economically independent (for example, people who you do not support, who do not share income with you or your children, and who pay a pro-rated share of expenses), do not include them.

7. My child’s application was approved last year. Do I need to fill out another one? Yes. Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first few days of this school year. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year.

8. Should I fill out an application if I got a letter this year saying my children are approved for free meals?Please read the letter you received carefully and follow the instructions. Call the School Nutrition Program at (404) 305-2220, if you have questions.

9. Can homeless, runaway and migrant children get free meals? If you haven’t been told your children will receive free meals, please call the homeless liaison or migrant coordinator at (404) 763-5600 ext. 216 to see if your child(ren) qualify.

10. I get WIC. Can my child(ren) get free meals? Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please fill out an application.

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

12. If I don’t qualify now, may I apply 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 SNAP, TANF or other benefits. If you lose your job, your children may be able to get free or reduced price meals.

13. What if I disagree with the district’s decision about my application? You should call the School Nutrition Program at (404) 305-2220. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: : Kathy Brown, 5270 Northfield Blvd., College Park, GA 30349, (404) 305-2220. 14. May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen? Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for free or reduced price meals.

14. May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen? Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for free or reduced price meals.

15. We are in the military, do we include our housing allowance as income?If you get an off-base housing allowance, it must be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income.

16. My spouse is deployed to a Combat Zone his/her Combat pay counted as income?No, if the combat pay is received in addition to his/her basic pay because of his/her deployment and it wasn’t received before he/she was deployed, combat pay is not counted as income. Contact your school for more information.

17. My family needs more help. Are there other programs we might apply for? To find out how to apply for SNAP or other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office or call 1-800-869-1150.