RESERVE — The St. John Parish School Board announced its 2015-2016 policy for free and reduced price meals served under the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs.

All schools and the central office have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

Application forms are being sent to all homes on the first day of school, along with a letter to households. To apply for free or reduced price meals, households should fill out one application and return it to the school. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

The information provided by the household is confidential; it will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility. Information may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials.

For the school officials to determine eligibility, each household receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition  Assistance Program, formerly the Food Stamp Program) or is on the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) must provide its SNAP or FITAP case number as well as the signature of an adult household member.

All other households must provide the following information on the application: names of all household members; the last four digits of the social security number of either the parent/guardian who is the primary wage earner, or the adult household member who signs the application, or a statement that the household member does not possess a social security number; the amount of income (before deductions for taxes, Social Security, etc.) each household member receives; how often the person receives the income; where it is from, such as wages, retirement, or welfare and the signature of an adult household member certifying that the information provided is correct.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the Child Nutrition Office and complete a new application.

Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may be eligible for benefits. If a household has foster children and wishes to apply for such meals for them, the household should contact the school for more information.

Households that receive SNAP or FITAP benefits are not required to complete an application. School officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the SNAP/FITAP office, which will certify that a child is a member of a household currently receiving SNAP or an assistance unit receiving FITAP benefits. School officials will notify households of their eligibility.

Households who are notified of their eligibility but do not want their children to receive free meals must contact the school. SNAP and FITAP households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by Aug. 20.

Applications from prior year are valid for the first 30 operating days of the new school year only. If a meal application is not received in the Food & Nutrition Service Office on or before Sept. 22, your children will be placed on full paying status until an application has been received and processed.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced price policy, Terry Charles (Determining Official) will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the ruling of the official, he may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis.

If the parent wishes to make a formal appeal, he may make either an oral or written response to the following:

Kevin George, Superintendent, P.O. Drawer AL, Reserve, Louisiana 70084. The phone number is 985- 536-1106.