Pasadena Independent School District recently announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the current income eligibility guidelines.
Each school/site or Child Nutrition Services has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by anyone on request.
Starting on August 6th, Child Nutrition Services will have the online application system and paper applications available.
To apply online, visit
www.nlappscloud.com.
The process is safe, secure and fast. If needed, instructions are available in Spanish by selecting that option on the upper right side of the first screen. Once an online application is completed, it communicates to the Child Nutrition Services office the same day.
Applications in English and Spanish are also available in Child Nutrition Services at 1515 Cherrybrook Lane, Pasadena, TX 77502.
Criteria for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits
The following criteria will be used to determine a child’s eligibility for free or reduced-price meal benefits. Breakfast is free to all students.
Income
1.
Household income that is at or below the income eligibility levels
Categorical or Automatic Eligibility
2.
Household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Program Participant
3.
Child’s status as a foster child, homeless, runaway, migrant, or displaced by a declared disaster
4.
Child’s enrollment in Head Start or Even Start
Income Eligibility
For those households that qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on income, an adult in the household must fill out free and reduced-price meal application and return it to Mary Harryman, Director for Child Nutrition at 1515 Cherrybrook, Pasadena, TX 77502. Those individuals filling out the application will need to provide the following information:
1.
Names of all household members
2.
Amount, frequency, and source of current income for each household member
3.
Last 4 digits of the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application or, if the adult does not have a social security number, check the box for
“No Social Security number”
4.
Signature of an adult household member attesting that the information provided is correct
Directly Certified
Child Nutrition Services is working with local agencies to identify all children who are directly eligible. Child Nutrition Services will notify the households of these children that they do not need to complete an application. Any household that does not receive a letter and feels it should have should contact Blanca Banda, Secretary for Child Nutrition at 713-740-0146.
Any household that wishes to decline benefits should contact Blanca Banda, Secretary for Child Nutrition at 713-740-0146.
Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility. Applications may also be verified by the school officials at any time during the school year.
Determining Eligibility
Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, Blanca Banda, Secretary for Child Nutrition will review applications and determine eligibility. Households or guardians dissatisfied with the Reviewing Official’s eligibility determination may wish to discuss the decision with the Reviewing Official on an informal basis. Households wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Carla Merka, Chief Financial Officer at 713-740-0146.
Unexpected Circumstances
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 attached current income eligibility guidelines.
Forms:
Free and Reduced Application Instructions
Income Eligibility Guidelines
2018-2019 Lunch Application