School lunch applications available

The Fort Smith School District has announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program.

A household’s size and income determines eligibility.

Schools are distributing household application forms. Applications are also available at the principal’s office. Only one application should be submitted for each household, the district said in a news release. To apply, households must complete the application and return it to the school. Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year as circumstances change.

Children who are members of a household that is part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, are eligible for free meals. The district said that officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the SNAP office.

School officials will notify households of their eligibility. Households that are notified of their eligibility but that do not want their children to receive free meals must contact the school. SNAP households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by Sept. 15, according to the district.

Children certified as migrant, homeless or runaway by the district are eligible for free meals. Information is available from The Parker Center at (479) 784-8182.

Foster children are also eligible. More information is available at (479) 785-2501.