How do I know if my children qualify as homeless, migrant or runaway?

Do the members of your household lack a permanent address? Are you staying together in a shelter, hotel, or other temporary housing arrangement? Does your family relocate on a seasonal basis? Are any children living with you who have chosen to leave their prior family or household? If you believe children in your household meet these descriptions and haven’t been told your children will get free meals, please call or e-mail Michael Janzen, 316-541-2577 or mjanzen@usd375.org.

Do I need to fill out an application for each child?

No. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to: Debbie Stephens, Circle USD 375 901 Main P O Box 9, Towanda KS 67144, 316-541-2577 or dstephens@usd375.org.

Should I fill out an application if I received a letter this school year saying my children are already approved for free meals?

No, but please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. If any children in your household were missing from your eligibility notification, contact Debbie Stephens, Circle USD 375 901 Main P O Box 9, Towanda KS 67144, 316-541-2577 or dstephens@usd375.org immediately.

Can I apply online?

Yes, you are encouraged to complete an online application instead of a paper application if you are able. The online application has the same requirements and will ask you for the same information as the paper application. Contact Debbie Stephens, Circle USD 375 901 Main P O Box 9, Towanda KS 67144, 316-541-2577 or dstephens@usd375.org if you have any questions about the online application.

My child's application was approved last year. Do I need to fill out a new one?

Your child’s application is only good for that school year. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year. If you do not send in a new application that is approved by the school or you have not been notified that your child is eligible for free meals, your child will be charged the full price for meals.

I get WIC. Can my children get free meals?

Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please send in an application.

Will the information I give be checked?

Yes. We may also ask you to send written proof of the household income you report.

If I don't qualify now, may I apply later?

Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.

What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application?

You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: Michael Janzen, Circle USD 375 901 Main P O Box 9, Towanda KS 67144, 316-541-2577 or mjanzen@usd375.org.

May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You, your children, or other household members do not have to be U.S. citizens to apply for free or reduced price meals.

What if my income is not always the same?

List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.

We are in the military. Do we report our income differently?

Your basic pay and cash bonuses must be reported as income. If you get any cash value allowances for off-base housing, food, or clothing, it must also be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. Any additional combat pay resulting from deployment is also excluded from income.

What if there isn't enough space on the application for my family?

List any additional household members on a separate piece of paper, and attach it to your application. Contact Debbie Stephens, Circle USD 375 901 Main P O Box 9, Towanda KS 67144, 316-541-2577 or dstephens@usd375.org to receive a second application.

My family needs more help. Are there other programs we might apply for?

To find out how to apply for Food Assistance (FA) or other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office or call 1-888-369-4777.

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