FAMILIES ENCOURAGED TO LOOK INTO FREE, REDUCED LUNCH
Thursday, September 3rd, 2009 -- 10:49 AM
Families sending kids back to school this year are encouraged to see if they?re eligible for free and reduced price lunches.Neillsville administrator John Gaier says it?s not just important for the families, but also for the school district.
"It is income-based. It depends on the size of the family," Gaier explains. "Based on the different levels, the children can be eligible for free lunch, or a reduced-cost lunch. Those differences are reimbursed by the government."
The state and federal governments base part of their funding formula on the free and reduced price lunch data.
"It can help bring income into the district through the federal Title I program, which is a program that targets to high-poverty areas," he says.
Gaier says families should feel no shame in applying for the program. The process is completely confidential. Local districts saw a definite up-tick in their free and reduced numbers last spring, probably due to the sour economy.
By the way, lunch at Neillsville costs $1.85.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.