Nutritional Information/Illinois Free Lunch and Breakfast Programs

Illinois Free Lunch and Breakfast Programs

(23 IL Administrative Code Section 305.10)

“Section 305.10 addresses requirements for school districts and others that receive state reimbursement under the Illinois Free Lunch and Breakfast Programs. The rules clarify the requirement of all public schools to offer a free meal (lunch required, and breakfast required if the school operates a free breakfast program) to students eligible to receive such meals as determined under the regulations governing the federal School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program.

Every public school is required to provide a free meal to students eligible to receive free meals.    How is a student determined to be eligible for free meals?

Students must receive free meals if they are eligible to receive food stamps or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), or if their household income falls within guidelines published annually by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These Income Eligibility Guidelines are posted annually on our website at: http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/data.htm#income

Link to apply online for Department of Human Services (DHS) benefits: http://www.dhs.state.il.us

Some students eligible for free meals may receive a letter from ISBE certifying they are eligible for free meals. This is referred to as an Eligibility Certificate that automatically qualifies them for free meals. If the household does not receive an Eligibility Certificate, eligibility is best determined by asking households each school year to complete the Household Eligibility Application for the Illinois Free Lunch and Breakfast Programs application provided by ISBE at: http://www.isbe.net/nutrition/htmls/household_eligibility.htm.

The form contains the required information to process applications in the federal programs and can be used by schools for the state-funded program. While schools are not required to use this form, they must have a procedure in place to determine whether students are eligible for free meals.” (above taken from ISBE.net)

FISCAL YEAR 2010 INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES – Click Here
ISBE Past and Current Income Eligibility Guidelines – Click Here
Application for Free/Reduced Breakfast-Lunch – Click Here

· Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch Program: In making eligibility determinations based on income for free and reduced price meals for School Year 2010-11, schools and institutions should continue to utilize the 2009-2010 Income Eligibility Guidelines.

PBL SCHOOL DISTRICT REMAINS COMMITTED TO ENSURING THAT EACH CHILD RECEIVES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A HEALTHY AND NUTRICIOUS LUNCH. BREAKFASTS ARE AVAILABLE K-8.

*Nurse’s Note* Completed forms should be submitted to your child’s school building.