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OSWEGO, NY – The Oswego City School District has announced a free and reduced price meal (Free Milk) policy for the district’s school children.
Local school officials have adopted new family eligibility criteria to assist them in determining eligibility.
Food Stamp TANF/FDPIR Households-Households which currently include children who received Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance to Needy Family (TANF) or the Food Distribution Program in Indian Reservations (FDPIR) must complete an application listing the child’s name, a food stamp, TANF or FDPIR number and the signature of an adult household member, or provide a Direct Certification letter from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
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, TANF or FDPIR 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 the same or below the amount of money listed for their family size may be eligible for 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 Dennis Jerome, school lunch director.
The information provided on the application will be confidential and will be used for determining eligibility.
The names and eligibility status of participants may also be used for allocation of funds to federal education programs such as Title I and National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), State Health or State Education Programs, provided the State agency or local education agency administers the programs, and for federal, state or local means-tested nutrition programs with eligibility standards comparable to the NSLP.
Eligibility information may also be released to programs authorized under the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) or the Child Nutrition Act (CAN). The release of information to any program and entity not specifically authorized by the NSLA will require a written consent statement from the parent or guardian.
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 or children will no longer be able to receive free or reduced price meals (free milk).
Foster children may also be eligible for these benefits. An application for a foster child must contain the child’s name, the child’s Apersonal use income and an adult signature.
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 or she may make a request either orally or in writing for a hearing to appeal the decision.
The Oswego City School District Assistant Superintendent for Business, whose address is 120 E. First St., Oswego, NY, 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, TANF 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 current.
Non-Discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe that you have been treated unfairly. In accordance with Federal Law and the 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 Ave., SW Washington DC 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 or 202-720-6382.
A complete copy of this policy is on file in the office of the School Lunch Director where it may be reviewed by any interested persons.
Anyone seeking further information in regards to the Oswego City School Lunch requirements can contact Jerome at 341-2022.
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