School system announces meal policy

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Public Schools recently announced its policy for determining eligibility of children that may receive free or reduced-price meals served under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Local school officials have adopted the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for family size and income criteria for determining eligibility.

Income guidelines will be used in Connecticut from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, for determining eligibility of participants for free and reduced-price meals and free milk in the Child Nutrition Programs. Calculations are made based on the following formulas: Monthly income is calculated by dividing the annual income by 12; twice monthly income is computed by dividing annual income by 24; income received every two weeks is calculated by dividing annual income by 26; and weekly income is computed by dividing annual income by 52. All numbers are rounded upward to the next whole dollar.

Children from families whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents on the first day of school. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households should fill out the application and return it to the school. You may print up a copy of the application at www.middletownschools.org under Food Services Department; contact your child’s school for a copy; or our office at (860) 704-4519. Only one application is required per household and an application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions.