Brevard Public School Announces 2020-2021 Free and Reduced-Price Meals Policy
August 4, 2020
Media contact: Katherine Allen
Government & Community Relations
allen.katherine@brevardschools.org
Brevard Public School Announces 2020-2021 Free and Reduced-Price Meals Policy
Viera, FL: Brevard Public Schools announced the updated policy with regard to free and reduced meals for students through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. The information in this release serves as guidance for families to understand the policy and process on qualification for this program.
Household size and income criteria will be used to determine eligibility. An application cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information. Once approved, meal benefits are good for an entire year. You need not notify the organization of changes in income and household size.
Only one Free and Reduced application is required per family. For your convenience, you may apply on-line at www.brevardschools.org. 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 SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) are required to list on the application only the child’s name, SNAP/TANF case number, and signature of adult household member.
Foster children will receive free benefits regardless of the child’s personal income or the income of the household. However, an application must be submitted to FNS.
Households with children who are considered migrants, homeless, or runaway should contact the district liaison Kacey Daniels at (321) 633-100, x11294.
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 gross amount received, type of income (e.g., wages, child support, etc.) and how often the income is received by each household member;
- Names of all household members – check the “no income” box if applicable; if household member is a child, list school name for each;
- Electronic signature of an adult household member certifying the information provided is correct; and
- Social security number of the adult signing the application or the word “NONE” for this household member if he or she does not have a social security number.
If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size changes, food services should be contacted. Children of parents or guardians who become unemployed should also contact food services. Under the provisions of the Free and Reduced-Price meal policy, Kevin Thornton, Director, and the Office of Food and Nutrition Services 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
Mr. Kevin Thornton, Director, Food and Nutrition Services
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
Any interested person may review a copy of the policy by contacting:
Tamara Cheek, Free and Reduced Coordinator
Brevard Public Schools
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
(321) 633-1000, x11642
Unless indicated otherwise on the application, the information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application may be used by the school system in determining eligibility for other educational programs.
To determine annual income:
- If you receive the income every week, multiply the total gross income by 52.
- If you receive the income every two weeks, multiply the total gross income by 26.
- If you receive the income twice a month, multiply the total gross income by 24.
- If you receive the income monthly, multiply the total gross income by 12.
Remember: The total income before taxes, social security, health benefits, union dues, or other deductions must be reported.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
fax: (202) 690-7442; or
email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.