Westlake Schools To Offer Free, Reduced Lunch Program

WESTLAKE, OH — Students who are unable to pay full price for their lunches in Westlake Schools may be able to receive free or reduced meals in the 2017-2018 school year. The district announced on Thursday that it would aid students who qualify under the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

The federal poverty guidelines can be found here. Students from families that fall at or below the poverty line will be eligible for reduced price or free meals in the Westlake Schools.

Applications for the program will be mailed to all parents or guardians in the district. To apply, cost free, fill out the program and return it to the local school building. Copies of the application are available at every district building's secretary's office.

If a student is currently receiving Special Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), or Ohio Works First (OWF) funds, the applicant must provide the child's name, the SNAP or OWF case number, and the signature of an adult household member.

If a household is not receiving SNAP or OWF benefits, applicants will need to provide the names of everyone living in their house, the last four digits of the signing adult's Social Security number, the amount and source of income received by each household member, (state the monthly income) and the signature of an adult household member. If any of this information is missing, the school cannot process the application.

Each school building and central office in the district has a copy of the National School Lunch Program policy on reduced price and free meals. Anyone can request to view the policy book in those buildings.

The district said in an emailed statement that, "Households may apply for benefits any time during the school year. If a household is not currently eligible and if the household size increases or income decreases because of unemployment or other reasons, the family should contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the family eligible for free or reduced-price benefits if the family income falls at or below the levels shown above."

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