State releases criteria for free school lunches

The Iowa Department of Education Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services has finalized its policy for free and reduced price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program and the Afterschool Care Snack Program.

According to a press release, a household of three must make less than $34,645 to qualify for free lunches and less than $49,303 to qualify for reduced prices.

A family of four must make less than $41,795 to qualify for free lunches and less than $59,478 for reduce-price lunches.

Households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for reduced price meals or free meals, if they complete applications for free and reduced price school meals and return them to the school.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households, students receiving benefits under the Family Investment Program and students in a few specific Medicaid programs are eligible for free or reduced price meals.

Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children participants may be eligible for free or reduced price meals based on a completed application.

Parents should contact their school districts for applications and for complete income guidelines.