OCPS policy for meals

The Food and Nutrition Services Department of Orange County Public Schools announces the district’s policy for free and reduced meals for students under the National School Lunch Program.

Household size and income criteria will be used to determine eligibility. Children from families whose income meets these standards may be eligible for free or reduced price meals.

An application cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information. Once approved, meal benefits are good for an entire year. Participants need not notify the organization of changes in income and household size. 

Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians. 

To apply for free or reduced price meals, households must complete the application and return it to school. Only one application need to be completed for each household. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school.

The information provided on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Households that receive food stamps or TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) are only required to list on the application, the child’s name, food stamp/TANF case number, and signature of adult household member.

Foster children may receive benefits based on the child’s personal income regardless of the income of the household.

Households with children who are considered migrants, homeless or runaway should call the district liaison at 407-317-3200, ext. 2789 or the Free and Reduced Department at 407-317-3966.

For the purpose of determining household size, deployed service members are considered a part of the household. Families should include the names of the deployed service members on their application. Report only that portion of the deployed service member’s income made available to them or on their behalf to the family.

Additionally, a housing allowance that is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative is not to be included as income.

All other households must provide the following information listed on the application:

• Total household income listed by amount received and type of income and how often the income is received (wages, child support, etc.) by each household member;   

• Names of all household members;

• Signature of an adult household member certifying the information provided is correct; and

• Social Security number of the adult signing the application or check the box provided, indicating this household member does not have a Social Security number.

If a household member becomes unemployed or household size changes, the school should be contacted. Children of parents or guardians who become unemployed should also contact the school.

Such changes may make the student eligible for reduced price or free meals if the household income falls at or below eligibility levels.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced price meal policy, the Food Service administrator will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the ruling of the official, he or she may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis.

If the parent wishes to make a formal appeal, he or she may make a request either orally or in writing to: Lora Gilbert, Food & Nutrition Services, 6501 Magic Way, Building 500, Orlando, FL 32802. Gilbert can also be reached at 407-317-3799.