Time is Up on Old Free, Reduced Lunch Applications

Pasco County school children who receive free or reduced breakfasts and lunches might find themselves being asked to pay to eat.

That’s because the deadline on last year’s applications has run out, said Summer Romagnoli, the school district’s spokeswoman.

“Federal applications are only good for one year and they expired Sept. 17,” Romagnoli said. “A lot of people are just now realizing their kids are no longer eligible.”

With an estimated 53.8 percent of Pasco students on free or reduced lunches, Romagnoli said it’s important for parents who believe they qualify to fill out the new forms.

“Every year at this time, there is this dip (in free and reduced numbers,” she said. “We tell parents to please fill out a new application.” Many parents, she added, don’t realize they need to until their children's meals are shut off.

Parents can obtain application forms for the federal free and reduced program from their children’s schools or they can visit the district’s website to apply online.

Eligibility is based on family size and income. A family of four that has an income of $41,348, for example, can obtain reduced prices. That same family of four has to earn $29,055 or less for free meals. Detailed information about income and eligibility can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.