Update on 2019 Atlanta school lunch program

It has been talked about around the community that this year all of the students of Atlanta ISD would be receiving free meals. Unfortunately, says Donna Wilkins, the Food Service Coordinator, that didn’t work out this year. They had “hoped to participate in a program known as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in which all students eat free regardless of economic status. Our percentage of what is known as identified students was lower than we had originally expected which would have caused a significant financial burden on the District. CEP is a wonderful win-win program if all of the conditions are right. We just fell short of the necessary numbers to be successful.”

Those that are worried about their children being hungry during school should know that “students are not denied a meal. Atlanta ISD makes every effort to extend the highest level of benefits to each student but some simply do not qualify. Those students are required to pay for full price meals. As a District we are willing to work with parents on payment plans, etc. Typically we will allow students to charge up to $10.00 before contacting the household,” says Wilkins

For those wanting to help make sure that each of the students in Atlanta has a nutritious meal should know that the schools will “certainly accept any donations on behalf of any student with a negative balance. On occasion a local business will donate a set amount and will apply that to the highest charges. I have known of numerous food staff workers who will pay for a student’s meal! We are in the business of feeding kids!” says Wilkens.

For those wanting information on the reduced lunch program Atlanta sends out the USDA letter distributed to houses in the area. If you did not receive the letter you can pick one up at your Atlanta school campus.

This is a portion of the letter that highlights some of the more important information:

Criteria for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits

The following criteria will be used to determine a child’s eligibility for free or reduced-price meal benefits:

Income

1. Household income that is at or below the income eligibility levels Categorical or Automatic Eligibility

2. Household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Program Participant;

3. Child’s status as a foster child, homeless, runaway, migrant, or displaced by a declared disaster.

4. Child’s enrollment in Head Start or Even Start

Income Eligibility For those households that qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on income, an adult in the household must fill out free and reduced-price meal application and return it to the cafeteria manager on your child’s/children’s campus. Those individuals filling out the application will need to provide the following information:

1. Names of all household members

2. Amount, frequency, and source of current income for each household member 3. Last 4 digits of the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application or, if the adult does not have a social security number, check the box for “No Social Security number” 4. Signature of an adult household member attesting that the information provided is correct

Categorical or Program Eligibility

Atlanta ISD is working with local agencies to identify all children who are categorically and program eligible.

Atlanta ISD will notify the households of these children that they do not need to complete an application. Any household that does not receive a letter and feels it should have should contact Donna Wilkins, Food Service Coordinator, at 903-796-4194, 106 West Main Street, Atlanta, Texas 75551.

Any household that wishes to decline benefits should contact the cafeteria manager on your child’s/ children’s campus.

Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility. Applications may also be verified by the school officials at any time during the school year.

Determining Eligibility

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, cafeteria managers will review applications and determine eligibility. Households or guardians dissatisfied with the Reviewing Official’s eligibility determination may wish to discuss the decision with the Reviewing Official on an informal basis. Households wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Mr. Sidney Harrist, Superintendent, 106 W. Main Street, 903-796-4194.

Unexpected Circumstances

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the attached current income eligibility guidelines.