If your household RECEIVES CalFresh (Food Stamps), CalWORKs, or
FDPIR, and you have not received a Direct Certification notice, please
list the program name and case number on the application. If your
household is on any of the above programs and you have listed the
appropriate program name and number, you do not need to fill out income
information.
If your household does not receive any of the assistance programs listed above, the application must include the names of all household members, the amount and source of the income received by each household member, and the signature and last four digits of the Social Security Number of the adult household member signing the application, or indicate a number is not available by checking the “I Do Not Have a Social Security Number” box.
Under the provisions of
the no-cost meal policy, the determining official will review
applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians
dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the
decision with the reviewing official on an informal basis. Parents may
also make a formal request for an appeal hearing on the decision and may
do so orally or in writing with the hearing official. Parents or
guardians should contact Campus Catering at (559) 327-9140 for specific
information regarding the name of the determining official and/or
hearing official.
If at any point during the school year a household member becomes unemployed, the household size increases, or if an individual in the household becomes eligible for the assistance programs previously mentioned, a new application should be submitted. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below eligibility levels.
Foster ChildrenFoster children are automatically eligible for no-cost meals, however, an application may be necessary. The foster child’s personal income, if any, must be reported. Households with foster and non-foster children are encouraged to complete an application since foster children may be counted as household members which may help the foster family’s non-foster children qualify for no-cost meals based on the household size and income.
ConfidentialityEnrollment
in the program is confidential. Names and information of those enrolled
in the program will not be released to any internal or external
entities; even students are not aware they are enrolled in the program,
unless they are told by parents.
Testing and College Application Fee AssistanceEnrollment in the no-cost meal program offers additional benefits to high school students.
Students
in the program qualify for Advanced Placement, SAT and ACT test fee
waivers. In addition, discounts on college application fees for students
interested in college and trade schools are available. Students
enrolled in the no-cost meal program will also have an easier time
filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
application.
Families are encouraged to contact their high school
Counseling Center to receive additional information from counselors on
these benefits.
Internet Essentials from ComcastIn addition to assistance with college application fees, testing fees and other aid tied to qualifying for the national meal program, families are eligible for the “Internet Essentials” program from Comcast.
The
program offers low-cost Internet service, computer equipment and free
digital literacy training to families with at least one child eligible
to participate in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program.
Internet Essentials includes: