By Alyssa Schnugg
Staff writer
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com
While Oxford schools open their doors today for the start of a new year, it’s not too late for parents to apply for free or reduced lunch.
However, applications must be done online. Even if a child was eligible last school year, parents need to re-apply each school year for their child to participate in the district’s free or reduced lunch program.
Those families who are on the Supplemental Nutritionist Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANIF) or who participate in fostering children are eligible for free meals.
If you are not on any of those programs, but meet the eligibility income requirements, the student may be eligible for free lunch or at a reduced price of .40 cents a day. For example, a family of four would be eligible if the household annual income is less than $32,630. The income eligibility guidelines can be viewed here.
Parents apply for free or reduced meals by completing the online application. After the application is reviewed by the OSD Child Nutrition Program, parents are notified via email whether they approved or not.
The price for lunch is $3 a day until the application has been processed and approved.
Parents or families who do not have access to a personal computer or internet connection can use a computer at the Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library or come to the OSD Child Nutrition office to use a computer.
There is no deadline to apply for the program. Families that find themselves with changes in their financial status can apply anytime during the school year.
For more information, or help with filling out the application, call the Child Nutrition Program at 662-234-3541.
