Pearland Independent School District is accepting applications for free and reduced-price meals for the 2023-24 school year.
Meals are served under the National School Lunch Program and Breakfast Program.
Online applications may be accessed now at www.schoolcafe.com.
Paper applications are available at the Food Service Office (1928 N. Main). To have a paper application mailed, call 281-412-1244.
Anyone interested in reviewing Pearland ISD’s free and reduced-price meal policy may visit the Food Service Office.
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:
• Income: Household income that is at or below the income eligibility levels
• Categorical or Automatic Eligibility: Household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Program Participant: Child’s status as a foster child, homeless, runaway, migrant or displaced by a declared disaster or 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 a free and reduced-price meal application online or submit a paper application to the Food Service Office (1928 N. Main) or to their child’s campus.
Those individuals filling out the application must provide the following information:
• Names of all household members
• Amount, frequency and source of current income for each household member
• Last four digits of the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application (if the adult does not have a Social Security number, check the box for “NO SSN”)
• Signature of an adult household member attesting that the information provided is correct.
Categorical or Program Eligibility
Pearland ISD works with local agencies to identify all children who are categorically and program eligible.
The Food Service Department will notify the households of these children that they do not need to complete an application.
Any household that wishes to decline benefits should contact the Food Service Office at 281-412-1244.
Applications may be submitted anytime during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used for 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, a food service clerk 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 Mr. David Moody, Deputy Superintendent, at 281-485-3203 or at 1928 N. Main.
Unexpected Circumstances
If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the Food Service Office. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the current income eligibility guidelines.
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
— mail:U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
or
— fax: (202) 690-7442;
or
— email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
