FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS AT SCHOOL:

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS

Note: An application form for the National School Breakfast & Lunch Program was included in the "Forms Packet" each student brought home at the start of the school year.  If you have already sent in your application or letter of direct certification for free or reduced price meals, this memo does not apply to you; if you have not, we urge you to take a few minutes to review the following information.  

To obtain an application, download and print the file attached below, or call the school office (635-2211 ext. 0) or send a note to school, and we'll send you an application.

The National School Breakfast & Lunch Program entitles children living in households who meet certain income eligibility guidelines to receive breakfast and/or lunch at school either free or for a reduced price. Also, any family receiving "3SquaresVT" or "Reach Up" assistance for their children is automatically eligible for free meals at school.  The program is paid for by the federal government to promote and support good nutrition for children.

Normally, more than half of all JES students are eligible for the program . For example, this year, a family of four with a household income of $39,220 a year (which is $3,269/month or $755/week) qualifies for the reduced-price program.  The reduced-price cost is $.40 per lunch, versus the full price of $2.00; this means a savings of $1.60 per lunch, which can really add up over the course of a year. And students eligible for reduced price lunch receive FREE breakfast too.

The application form is quite easy to fill out, and we are happy to help if you have questions.  Personal income information you report is held in strict confidence within the school.  Students have the same meal card, whether they participate in the program or not; the only difference is how much you pay.  Applying for the program does not mean your children have to buy meals at school, just that they will pay the lower cost, or get the meal free, if they ever buy meals at school.  Furthermore, some state and federal funding for our school is determined by how many of our students participate in the meals program. This means that if you are eligible and you complete the form, you are helping the school, even if your child never buys a single meal.

Finally, if you are not eligible now, but circumstances change during the year, and your household income decreases, then you may submit an application at that time. 

If you have not done so already, please click the links below to review current eligibility guidelines and then submit an application if you think your child may be eligible -- this is a benefit to which you clearly are entitled if you meet the guidelines.  A "Frequently Asked Questions" document is also attached.