FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About School Meal Programs
Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No. Complete the application to apply for free or reduced price
meals. Do not fill out more than one application for your
household.
Who can receive free meals?
Children in households getting Food Stamps or the Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) and most
foster children can get free meals regardless of your income. In
addition, your children can get free meals if your household
income is within the free limits on Federal Income Guidelines.
Each foster child must be listed on a separate application, with
Part 2 completed and include an adult signature.
Who can get reduced price meals?
Your children can get low cost meals if your household income is
within the reduced price limits on the Federal Income Chart,
shown on the Free & Reduced Lunch Application.
Should I fill out an application if I received a letter this
school year saying my children are approved for free or reduced
price meals?
Please read the letter you received carefully and follow the
instructions. Please contact your school building administrator if you have questions.
I get WIC; can my children get free meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for
free or reduced price meals. Please fill out an application.
Will the information I give be checked?
The school may ask you at any time during the school year to
verify your eligibility. You will be notified, in writing, if
you have been selected for Verification. School officials may
ask you to send papers showing that your child should receive
free or reduced price meals at the time you applied.
If I do not qualify now, may I apply later?
Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your
household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start
getting Food Stamps, TANF or other benefits. If you lose your
job, your children may be able to get free or reduced price
meals.
What if I disagree with the school's decision about my
application?
You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a
hearing by calling or writing to: Charles Delargy, 730-1520
South Country Central School District –Business Office, 189
North Dunton Avenue, East Patchogue, NY 11772.
May I apply if someone in my household is not a U. S. citizen?
Yes. You or your child do not have to be a U.S. citizen to
qualify for free or reduced price meals.
Whom should I include as members of my household?
You must include all people living in your household, related or
not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends). You
must include yourself and all children who live with you.
What if my income is not always the same?
List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you
normally earn $1000 each month, but you missed some work last
month and only earned $900, put down your earnings as $1000 per
month. If you normally earn overtime, include it, but not if you
receive it only sometimes.
