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The federal free or reduced price meals program assists low-income families in the school district with the cost of student meals throughout the year.
Linda Webster, St. James food service director, explained the benefits of the program, which is available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“With the economy the way it is right now some people don't realize they can apply for free and reduced lunch anytime throughout the year,” Webster said.
Webster noted if a new child comes into the family, some one comes to live with the family, a parent is laid off, loses his or her job, or has reduced work hours, the family may qualify for the program.
“The free and reduced lunch, or national school breakfast and lunch program by the state, helps us reimburse the cost of breakfast and lunch of the child if their parents for some reason can't afford to pay,” Webster said.
Webster noted no other staff members or students would know if a student is using the free or reduced lunch program.
“When the child goes through the system, what comes up on the computer screen is their name and that they have lunch or breakfast for that day,” Webster said. “So someone behind them in line would not be able to tell.”
Webster estimated between 50 to 60 percent of the students at Lucy Wortham James Elementary are using the program, as well as 45 to 50 percent of students at the middle school and high school.
Applications for the program are available at all three buildings and the superintendent's office.
“Parents can call any of the buildings and we can help them fill out the application if they need it,” Webster said. “It's pretty straight forward.”
Webster said one application is needed per family and the process may take up to 48 hours after the application is returned.
Webster also noted the Buddy Pack program for elementary students. The St. James Caring Center organizes the program.
“It gives the kids food they can get out over the weekend and open themselves and eat when their parents are at work,” Webster said.
To sign up for the Buddy Pack parents may contact the elementary school or the St. James Caring Center.
Webster said the Caring Center is also a resource to help families with food, clothing and other needs.
The federal free or reduced price meals program assists low-income families in the school district with the cost of student meals throughout the year.
Linda Webster, St. James food service director, explained the benefits of the program, which is available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“With the economy the way it is right now some people don't realize they can apply for free and reduced lunch anytime throughout the year,” Webster said.
Webster noted if a new child comes into the family, some one comes to live with the family, a parent is laid off, loses his or her job, or has reduced work hours, the family may qualify for the program.
“The free and reduced lunch, or national school breakfast and lunch program by the state, helps us reimburse the cost of breakfast and lunch of the child if their parents for some reason can't afford to pay,” Webster said.
Webster noted no other staff members or students would know if a student is using the free or reduced lunch program.
“When the child goes through the system, what comes up on the computer screen is their name and that they have lunch or breakfast for that day,” Webster said. “So someone behind them in line would not be able to tell.”
Webster estimated between 50 to 60 percent of the students at Lucy Wortham James Elementary are using the program, as well as 45 to 50 percent of students at the middle school and high school.
Applications for the program are available at all three buildings and the superintendent's office.
“Parents can call any of the buildings and we can help them fill out the application if they need it,” Webster said. “It's pretty straight forward.”
Webster said one application is needed per family and the process may take up to 48 hours after the application is returned.
Webster also noted the Buddy Pack program for elementary students. The St. James Caring Center organizes the program.
“It gives the kids food they can get out over the weekend and open themselves and eat when their parents are at work,” Webster said.
To sign up for the Buddy Pack parents may contact the elementary school or the St. James Caring Center.
Webster said the Caring Center is also a resource to help families with food, clothing and other needs.
