Royal Oak Accepting Free and Reduced Meals Applications as Kids Head Back to School

Income guidelines may have changed for free and reduced meals, Royal Oak school officials say. (Patch file photo)

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The enrollment period for free and reduced school lunch and breakfast programs is under way in the Royal Oak School District.

Families who believe they may qualify for these programs should contact the District Food Service Director (248) 435-8500, Ext. 1123, or school building principals for additional information.

Applications and eligibility guidelines are also available on the Food Service webpage at www.royaloakschools.org. As family eligibility can change during the year, parents should be aware that applications for free and reduced meals can be submitted at anytime throughout the school year. All information provided in the application is strictly confidential.

The district believes that nutritious meals are an important part of a student’s day. And as a result, hot and cold breakfast and a full service lunch are available each school day at all buildings.

“The Federal program that provides funding for free and reduced meals for eligible families makes the learning benefits of good nutrition available to all of our students,” said Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Superintendent. “I encourage all families to consider the important role of good nutrition for learning and for those families who think they may qualify to submit an application for the Federal Free and Reduced meals program.”

The Michigan Department of Education has announced the household income guidelines established by the United States Department of Agriculture for free and reduced price meals and free milk through the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Special Milk, and Child and Adult Care Food Programs. The income guidelines are effective from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015. Households with incomes less than or equal to the following guidelines qualify for free or reduced price meals.

Scale for Free Meals:

Family of 1: $15,171 annual income, $1,265 monthly income

Family of 2: $20, 449 annual income, $1,705 monthly income

Family of 3: $25,727 annual income, $2,144 monthly income

Family of 4: $31,005 annual income, $2,584 monthly income

Family of 5: $36,283 annual income, $3,024 monthly income

Family of 6: $41,561 annual income, $3,464 monthly income

Family of 7: $46,839 annual income, $3,904 monthly income

Family of 8: $52,117 annual income, $4,344 monthly income

For each additional child, add $5,278 annual income and $440 monthly income

Scale for Reduced Meals:

Family of 1: $21,590 annual income, $1,800 monthly income

Family of 2: $29,101 annual income, $2,426 monthly income

Family of 3: $36,612 annual income, $3,051 monthly income

Family of 4: $44,123 annual income, $3,677 monthly income

Family of 5: $51,634 annual income, $4,303 monthly income

Family of 6: $59,145 annual income, $4,929 monthly income

Family of 7: $66,656 annual income, $5,555 monthly income

Family of 8: $74,167 annual income, $6,181 monthly income

For each additional family member, add: $7,511 annual income, $626 monthly income

Source: Royal Oak School District