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702.4 - Eligibility for Free or Reduced Cost Meals

Students enrolled and attending school in the district who are unable to afford the cost, or a portion of the cost, of the school breakfast or lunch will be provided the Nutrition Services Program at no cost or at a reduced cost according to the guidelines established by the USDA.

The district will, at least twice annually, notify all families of the availability, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for free or reduced price meals in accordance with state and federal law.

It is the responsibility of the Nutrition Services manager to determine if a student qualifies for free or reduced cost Nutrition Services in accordance with criteria established by state and federal law. Students whom the principal believes are improperly nourished will not be denied Nutrition Services simply because the paperwork has not been completed.

If a student owes money for five or more meals, the Nutrition Services manager [or designee] may contact the student’s parent to provide information regarding the application for free or reduced price meals. The school is encouraged to provide reimbursable meals to students who request them, unless the student’s parent has specifically provided written direction to the school to withhold a meal from the student.

Employees, students, and others will be required to deposit funds into a meal account to cover meals consumed.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to develop administrative regulations for implementing this policy.


Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 9/11; 10/12; 11/13; 4/15; 9/21; 2/24
Revised: 10/10; 8/17; 11/18
Related Policy: 702.1; 702.4-R
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): 2 USC §§ 1751; 7 CFR §§ 210; 283A; 281 IAC 58
IASB Reference: 710.02