PUBLIC RELEASE

 

 

St. Wendelin  Schools  announce their 2004-2005 program year policy of  free and reduced-price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals or milk served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast, After School Care Snack or Special Milk Program.  Local school officials have adopted the following income eligibility scale for free and reduced-price meals.       

 

INCOME ELIGIBILITY SCALE FOR FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE BENEFITS

Effective for the 2004-2005 Program Year

 

 

Household Size:  Parents,                             Income Eligibility               Income Eligibility

Children and other                                         Scale for Free Meals                   Scale for

Household Members                                          or Free Milk                 Reduced-Price Meals

 

           

            1                                                                     $12,103.00                                     $17,224.00           

 

            2                                                                       16,237.00                                      23,107.00            

 

            3                                                                       20,371.00                                      28,990.00            

 

            4                                                                       24,505.00                                      34,873.00            

 

            5                                                                       28,639.00                                      40,756.00            

 

            6                                                                       32,773.00                                      46,639.00            

 

            7                                                                       36,907.00                                      52,522.00            

 

            8                                                                       41,041.00                                      58,405.00            

For each additional

family member, add                                                     +4,134.00                                      +5,883.00           

 

Children from households with income at or below the levels shown may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals or free milk.

 

Application forms are being distributed to all homes in a letter to parents or guardians.  To apply for free and reduced-price benefits, households should fill out the application and return it to the school.

Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school.  A complete application is required.  Households which currently receive food stamps or OWF funds for a child must provide the child’s name, the food stamp or OWF case number and signature of an adult household member on the application.  Households which do not receive food stamps or OWF funds must provide the names of all household members, the Social Security Number of the adult signing the application or state “none” if the adult does not have a number, the amount and source of income received by each household member, (state the monthly income) and the signature of an adult household member.  If any of this information is missing, the school cannot process the application.

 

FREE HEALTH CARE: Families with children eligible for school meals may be eligible for FREE health care coverage through Ohio’s Healthy Start & Healthy Families programs. These programs include coverage for doctor visits, immunizations, physicals, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, substance abuse and more. Please 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/bcps/hshf/index.stm. Anyone who has an Ohio Medicaid card is already receiving these services.

 

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.

 

Households will be notified of the approval or denial of benefits.  If a child is approved for free or reduced-price benefits, the school must be informed when a household’s income increases by more than $50 per month ($600 per year) or when household size decreases.  If a food stamp or OWF case number is listed, the household must inform the school when it no longer receives food stamps or OWF funds.

 

In certain cases, foster children are also eligible for these benefits regardless of the household’s income.  If a family has foster children living with them and wishes to apply for such meals or milk for them, contact the school for more information.

 

Under the provision of the policy,  David A. Lang – Parish Manager  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

Rev. Daniel J. Ring , Pastor, 323 N. Wood St., Fostoria, OH 44830; 419-435-6692. The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure.

 

Households may apply for benefits any time during the school year.  If a household is not currently eligible or 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 if the family income falls at or below the levels shown above.

Non-discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. 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 to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten 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.

 

A copy of the complete policy is available to anyone wishing to review it in the principal’s office.