West Hempstead Free and Reduced-price Meal Policy
The West Hempstead school district announced that it's offering a reduced-price meal policy (free milk) for district children.
School officials adopted family-eligibility criteria to assist them in determining eligibility. (See chart)
Food Stamp/ADC/FDPIR Households: Households that currently include children who receive Food Stamps or benefits under "Aid to Families with Dependent Children," "Aid to Dependent Children" or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations must complete an application listing the child's name, a food stamp or AFDC, ADC or FDPIR number, and the signature of an adult household member, or provide a Direct Certification letter from the Department of Social Services. Children in the household with the same case number may be included on the same application. Separate applications are required for children in the same household with different case numbers. If the family does not list a food stamp, AFDC, ADC or FDPIR case number for all children for whom they are applying, then the application must contain all the information as required for "other households" as described below.
Other Households: Households with incomes equal to or less than the amount listed for their family size may be eligible and are urged to apply for free and/or reduced price meals (or free milk). They may do so by filling in the application forms sent home with a letter to parents. Additional copies are available at the principal's office in each school. Applications may be submitted any time during the school year to the principal of each school. If a family member becomes unemployed, if the family size decreases, or if family income increases by more than $50 per month, or $600 per year, the family must contact the school to file a new application. The form requests information needed to determine economic need based on the income and number of persons in the family. The information provided on the application will be confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility.
The school district does, however, have the right to verify at any time during the school year the information on the application. If a parent does not give the school this information, the child/children will no longer be able to receive free or reduced price meals (free milk).
Under the provisions of the policy, the designated official will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the designated official, he/she may make a request either orally or in writing for a hearing to appeal the decision. The Deputy Superintendent, whose address is 252 Chestnut St., West Hempstead, has been designated as the Hearing Official. Hearing procedures are outlined in the policy. However, prior to initiating the hearing procedure, the parent or School Food Authority may request a conference to provide an opportunity for the parent and official to discuss the situation, present information and obtain an explanation of the data submitted in the application or the decisions rendered. The request for a conference shall not in any way prejudice or diminish the right to a fair hearing.
Only complete applications can be approved. This includes complete and accurate information regarding: the Food Stamp/AFDC, ADC or FDPIR number; the names of all household members; the social security number of the person who signs the form or an indication that the adult does not have one; and the amount and source of income received by each household member. In addition, the parent or guardian must sign the application form, certifying the information is true and correct.
In the operation of Child Nutrition Programs, no child shall be discriminated against because of his race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. If any member of a household believes they have been discriminated against, they should write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).
A complete copy of this policy is on file in the office of the School Food Authority District Administrator where it may be reviewed by any interested persons. Richard Cunningham Deputy Superintendent
