In an effort to ensure every student maximizes their ability to
learn and soak up knowledge, California offers free and reduced
meals for students and families with lower incomes. Knowledge is
the power to learn, according to the state.
The San Benito County Office of Education released eligibility
requirements for families wanting to participate in the State Meals
Program, available to all public schools in the county.
In an effort to ensure every student maximizes their ability to learn and soak up knowledge, California offers free and reduced meals for students and families with lower incomes. Knowledge is the power to learn, according to the state.
The San Benito County Office of Education released eligibility requirements for families wanting to participate in the State Meals Program, available to all public schools in the county.
“(The program) provides meals to youngsters. Children need to come to school well fed so they can study,” said Lawrence Elrod, assistant superintendent, business services of the county office of education.
Applications for the program are being distributed to households and are available at the office of each school site. They may be submitted at any time during the school year.
Children from households whose income is at or below the levels are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Children who receive food stamps, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids funding, Kinship Guardianship Assistance payments or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations benefits are automatically eligible regardless of the household income. Eligibility for a foster child is based on the child’s “personal income.”
According to the California Department of Education, 3,952 out of 11,601 students, or 34.07 percent, in San Benito County were eligible for free or reduced meals during the 2002-03 school year.
The State Meals Program is administered by the state with funding from both the state and federal governments. Schools participating in the program must provide “nutritionally adequate meals,” which consist of: 1/2 pint of fluid whole milk and unflavored lowfat milk, 2 oz. of meat/meat alternate (e.g., poultry, fish, cheese, egg, dry beans or peas, peanut butter, or other nut butters), 3/4 cup (total serving) of two or more fruits and/or vegetables and 1-2 servings of enriched or whole-grain bread/bread alternate (e.g., rolls, muffins, noodles, rice, etc.).
For more information on the State Meals Program, contact your child’s school or the County Office of Education at 637-5393.
