DOWNEY - The Downey Unified School District this week released its income eligibility guidelines for children who receive free or reduced-price meals at school.To receive a free breakfast, lunch and milk, the student's household income cannot exceed $29,965 for a family of four. The income limit climbs to $35,113 for a family of five, $40,261 for a family of six and $45,261 for a seven-member family. Reduced-price breakfast and lunch is available to students whose household income does not exceed $42,643 for a family of four, $49,969 for a family of five or $57,295 for a family of six. Children who receive food stamps, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP or FDPIR benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of their household's income. Eligibility for a foster child is based on a separate application and solely on the amount of the child's "personal use" income. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, parents must pick-up an application at their school's office and return it for processing. Applications can be submitted at any time during the school year. The free and reduced-price meals are provided as part of the federal National School Lunch Program, established to provide nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals to students each day. The program was established by President Harry Truman in 1946.

********** Published: August 02, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 16