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Austintown Local School District recently announced its 2017-2018 program year policy for free and reduced-price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program.
Each school office and the central office have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party. The Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines will be used for determining eligibility. Children from families whose annual income is at or below the Federal Guidelines are eligible for free and reduced price meals.
Families are encouraged to apply on lunchapplication.com or retrieve a paper copy on the Austintown Food Services website, affoodservices.com. Applying online allows for less errors and instant eligibility notifications. The student identification number is required to apply online. Paper applications are also available at each school building office. A complete application is required.
Households which currently receive Special Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits (SNAP) or Ohio Works First (OWF) benefits for a child must provide the child’s name, the SNAP or OWF case number, and signature of an adult household member on the application. Households which do not receive SNAP or OWF benefits must provide the names of all household members, the last four digits of the Social Security Number of the signing adult (or state “none” if the adult does not have a Social Security Number), the amount and source of income received by each household member and the signature of an adult household member. Households will be notified of the approval or denial of benefits. If any of this information is missing, the school cannot process the application.
The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program official.
To discourage the possibility of misrepresentation, the application forms contain a statement above the space for signature certifying that all information furnished is true and correct. Applications are being made in connection with the receipt of federal funds. Schools or other officials may check the information on the application at any time during the school year. Deliberate misrepresentation of information may subject the applicant to prosecution under applicable state and federal laws.
Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits regardless of the household’s income, but must still complete an application. If a family has foster children living with them and wishes to apply for such meals for them, contact the school for more information.
Under the provision of the policy, Austintown Local School District’s Administrative Food Services Department office will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian disagrees with the decision on the application or the result of verification, the decision may be discussed with the determining official on an informal basis. If a formal appeal is desired, the household has the right to a fair hearing. A fair hearing can be requested either orally or in writing from: Vincent Colaluca, 700 S. Raccoon Road Austintown, Ohio 44515, 330-797-3900 ext 1509.
Households may apply for benefits any time during the school year. If a household is not currently eligible and if the household size increases or income decreases because of unemployment or other reasons, the family should contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the family eligible for free or reduced-price benefits.
Families with children eligible for school meals may be eligible for free health care coverage through Medicaid and/or Ohio’s Healthy Start and Healthy Families programs. These programs include coverage for doctor visits, immunizations, physicals, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, substance abuse and more. Call 1-800-324-8680 for more information or to request an application. Information can also be found on the web at http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/familychild.stm. Anyone who has an Ohio Medicaid card is already receiving these services.