MUSD again providing free and reduced-price meals

Maricopa Unified School District is again participating in the National School Lunch Program, which provides free and reduced-price meals for children.

Application forms are available on the MUSD website and are being distributed to all households the first day of school. Applications are also available in each school cafeteria and principal’s office. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households must fill out the application and return it to the school cashier. A new application must be completed each school year.

The household size and income criteria identified will be used to determine eligibility for meal benefits. Foster children that are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may also be eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child’s income.

The applications must be completed in their entirety, and instructions for the completion are attached to the application. If the application is not completely filled out, it will be returned. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials. All eligibility information is confidential.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, Suzette Moe, the Director of Food Services will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Aron Rausch, District Office, 520-568-8100.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the determining level.

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