The Vermilion Parish School Board Office today announced its policy for free and reduced price meals served under the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program(s). All schools and the central office have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

Application forms are being sent to all homes, along with a letter to households. To apply for free or reduced price meals, households should fill out one application for each household and return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal's office in each school.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. The information provided by the household is confidential and will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility. Information may be verified at any time during the school year by the Child Nutrition Department.

For the Child Nutrition Department to determine eligibility, each household that is now receiving SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly the Food Stamp Program) or that is on the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) must provide its SNAP case number or FITAP number as well as the signature of an adult household member.

All other households must provide the following information listed on the application: names of all household members; the last four digits of the social security number of either the parent/guardian who is the primary wage earner, or the adult household member who signs the application, or a statement that the household member does not possess one; the amount of income (before deductions for taxes, Social Security, etc.) each household member receives; how often the person receives it, and where it is from, such as wages, retirement, or welfare; and signature of an adult household member certifying that the information provided is correct.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the Vermilion Parish Child Nutrition Department at 898-5702. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for meal benefits.

Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may be eligible for benefits. If a household has foster children, and wishes to apply for such meals for them, the household should contact the Child Nutrition Department for more information.

Households that receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly the Food Stamp Program) or FITAP benefits are not required to complete an application. The Child Nutrition Department will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the SNAP/FITAP office, which will certify that a child is a member of a household currently receiving SNAP or an assistance unit receiving FITAP benefits.

The Child Nutrition Department will notify households of their eligibility. Households who are notified of their eligibility but do not want their children to receive free meals must contact the Child Nutrition Department. SNAP and FITAP households should complete and application if they are not notified of their eligibility by August 16, 2012.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced price policy, the Child Nutrition Department located at the School Board Office will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the ruling of the official, he may wish to discuss the decision with the Child Nutrition Department on an informal basis. If the parent wishes to make a formal appeal, he may make a request either orally or in writing to:

James B. Prudhomme, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, 220 South Jefferson Street, Abbeville, Louisiana 70510, Telephone Number: 898-5708.

The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedures.