School district offers free lunch program

Moorpark Unified School district recently announced its policy for providing free and reducedprice meals for children served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. Each school and the central office have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by anyone.

Eligibility is determined by household size and income criteria. The program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

A household of one that earns no more than $256 per week is eligible for free lunch, breakfast and milk. A household of one that earns no more than $364 per week may receive reduced-price lunch and breakfast.

The income levels for a household of two are $343/week for free meals and $488/week for reduced-price meals.

Income levels are set for up to a household of eight with a weekly income of $865 for free meals and $1,230 for reducedprice meals.

Children who receive food stamps, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS), Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside.

Eligibility for a foster child is based on a separate application and solely on the amount of the child's personal-use income.

Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing them of the program availability. Applications are also available at the principal's office in each school.

To participate in the program, households must complete an application and return it to the school for processing at any time during the school year.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school.

For more information about eligibility criteria and the program, call the school district at (805) 378-6300.