Media Contact:
Briant Coleman
(202) 654-6120
The District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) today announced the criteria for determining the eligibility of participants to receive free and reduced price meals for institutions participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Special Milk Program (SMP).
The CACFP institutions and schools will receive free or reduced price meal reimbursement based on the following income scales from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015, calculated on annual income:
| Family Size | Eligibility Scale for Free Meals | Family Size | Eligibility Scale for Reduced Price Meals |
| One | $11,670 | One | $21,590 |
| Two | $15,730 | Two | $29,101 |
| Three | $19,790 | Three | $36,612 |
| Four | $23,850 | Four | $44,123 |
| Five | $27,910 | Five | $51,634 |
| Six | $31,970 | Six | $59,145 |
| Seven | $36,03 | Seven | $66,656 |
| Eight | $40,090 | Eight | $74,167 |
| Each additional family member | +$4,060 | Each additional family member | +$7,511 |
For schools participating in the NSLP and SMP, a letter or notice and family application forms are distributed to parents of all children in attendance at school at the beginning of each school year. The letter or notice shall contain the following information:
- The eligibility criteria for either free or reduced priced meal benefits and for free milk benefits;
- How a household may complete an application for free or reduced price meals or for free milk for its children;
- An explanation that an application for free or reduced price benefits cannot be approved unless it is completed in its entirety;
- An explanation that households with children who are members of currently certified food stamp or TANF households may submit applications with abbreviated information;
- An explanation that the information on the application may be verified at any time during the school year;
- How a household may apply for benefits at any time during the school year as circumstances change;
- A statement that children having parents or guardians who become unemployed are eligible for free or reduced price meals or for free milk, provided that the income is within the eligibility criteria;
- A statement that in certain cases foster children are eligible for free or reduced price meals or free milk regardless of the household income;
- How a household may appeal the decision of the School Food Authority under the appeal procedures by making a request to the school official.
For participating institutions under CACFP, a similar letter is distributed to parents/guardians and/or adults enrolled in CACFP informing them of the benefits of the program, the purpose of collecting income information, defining a household, and information on reporting receipt of food stamps, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicaid. In addition, information is provided on how households may appeal decisions determined by the CACFP organizations.
A complete listing of District schools participating in the 2014-2015 National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Special Milk (SMP) is below:
National School Lunch Program – DC Public Charter Schools
National School Lunch Program – DC Public Schools
National School Lunch Program - DC Private Schools
Special Milk Program – All
Holy Trinity School
The Episcopal Center for Children
Church of Annunciation
Non Discrimination Statement:
The U.S Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all
programs and/or employment activities.)
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Also, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of martial status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, familial status, source of income, place of residence or business, genetic information, matriculation, or political affiliation of any individual. To file a complaint alleging discrimination on one of these bases, please contact the Government of the District of Columbia's Office of Human Rights at (202) 727-3545.
