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Apply for Free or Reduced School Meals
Description Detailed Description
Free and reduced-price meals are available to eligible public school students. The Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals should be filled out and returned to the school to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals. Eligibility is based on the household size and monthly gross income. Full-price lunch is $1.50. Reduced lunch is $0.25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sub-Topic Details
Eligibility for Children of Parents with no Social Security Number Children of parents who do not have a social security number are eligible for free and reduced price meals. Parents should complete the application for school meals, and in the space for a social security number, be sure to write the word NONE.
Eligibility for Families Receiving Food Stamps or ADF/TANF The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will send you a Direct Certification letter. When you take or mail this letter to your child's school, your household will be eligible for free school meals. However, if you do not get a Direct Certification Letter in the mail, you should complete the Application for Free and Reduced - Price School Meals, giving your Food Stamp or TANF case number. Your child will then be eligible for free breakfast or lunch at school.
General Eligibility Eligibility is determined by the family’s income. If the family’s income is:

• At or below 130 percent of the poverty level, the child is eligible for free meals
• Between 130 and 185 percent of the poverty level, the child is eligible for reduced-price meals
• Over 185 percent of the poverty level, the child is not eligible and must pay full price
How to Get an Application All schools send the application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals to parents at the beginning of each school year.

Parents may also contact the school's general office for an extra copy or download the application at www.opt-osfns.org/osfns.
Menu Information For information on school meals, calendars, news, regulations, allergy policy and food safety, see the DOE website at http://www.opt-osfns.org/osfns/
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