Sunday 6 July 2008School-age children in family of four with an annual household income of 27-thousand-560-dollars or less are eligible for free school lunches during the upcoming year under federal guidelines released today. In order to qualify the household income must be 130-percent of the federal poverty level. Families whose annual income is 185-percent of poverty qualify for reduced price meals. For a family of four that’s 39-thousand-220-dollars per year. Acting Education Commissioner Tim Webb says children who are hungry have difficulty learning in today’s fast-paced world. He says school meals offer children a simple affordable solution for a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Families who receive food stamps or Temporary Aid for Needy Families are automatically enrolled in the free lunch program. So are most foster children regardless of income. Other children whose families meet the income guidelines need to submit an application for assistance to the state. The Cannon County School Board will meet this Thursday night and among the items on the agenda will be the prices of meals during the upcoming school year.
