GPISD July 21, 2003 Press Release

......Galena Park ISD today announced its policy for providing free and reduced-priced meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The policy is available for review at each school or at the central administration office.

......The household size and income criteria identified on the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program Income Eligibility Guidelines determine eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals. Children whose incomes are at or below the levels shown are eligible for benefits. Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may also be eligible for benefits regardless of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child’s income.

......Applications forms with a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-priced meals will be sent home the first week of school. Applications also are available at the principal’s office in each school. To apply for free and reduced-price meals, households must fill out the application and return it to the school. Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. The school officials may verify applications at any time during the school year.

......For school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits, households receiving food stamps or 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.” An adult household member must sign the application.

......Households that list a food stamp or TANF case number must report when the household no longer receives these benefits. Other households approved for benefits based on income information must report increases in household income of over $50 per month or $600 per year and decreases in household size. Also, if a household member becomes unemployed or if the household 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 in the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Program Income Eligibility Guidelines.

......Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the secretary of the student nutrition department in Galena Park ISD 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 a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Mr. David Hopkins, 14705 Woodforest Blvd., Houston, Texas 77015, 832-386-1000.

......In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, these programs are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability.

......To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whiten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202/720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”