The Social Circle City school district has announced its free and reduced price meal policy for students for the 2009-10 school year. 

As we approach the thirtieth day of school, September 11, we encourage children who were free or reduced last school year to reapply in order to continue to receive free or reduced meals during the current school year.  New applications must have been filled out, returned, and approved or disapproved by September 11.  Families that may be eligible for the free or reduced price program are urged to apply as soon as possible.

About 45 percent of the district’s 1,830-student enrollment participates in the free-reduced meal program.

The reduced price for lunch again is 40 cents. Regular lunch prices are be $1.50 for grades PK-5 and $1.75 for grades 6-12. Milk will remain at 35 cents.

Students from households that meet federal guidelines based on income levels and household size may be eligible for free meals or reduced prices.

For example, a household of four with annual income at or below $28,665 is eligible for free meals pending application reviews, while the same-size household with income at or below $40,793 is eligible for reduced prices.

Children of parents or guardians who receive food stamps or Aid to Dependent Children/Temporary or Supplemental Assistance to Needy Families (TANF or SNAP) may be automatically certified through a state agency.  Others must either complete an application or provide a direct certification letter from the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Other households whose incomes meet the guidelines also are urged to apply.

Applications are to be submitted to the school that the children attend, or to district School Nutrition Director, Katheryn Banks. All children from the same family should be listed on the application.