Free and Reduced Price Meals

2008-09 applications for free and reduced-price meals now available

Applications for free and reduced-price meals during the 2008-09 school year can be downloaded by clicking either link below. The applications are available in English and Spanish (You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open this form. Get that program free, here.)

• FRPM application (English)

• FRPM application (español)

'Four Easy Steps' to apply for free and reduced-priced meals
After receiving the application form from your child's school, in the City School District of Albany's annual back-to-school newsletter or from the link above, follow these easy steps:

1. List all students in your household
2. List all adults and their income and/or Social Services information
3. An adult must sign the application and note his/her social security Number
4. Submit a completed application to:

J.W. Gayle

School Lunch Director

Philip Livingston Magnet Academy

315 Northern Blvd.

Albany, NY 12210

Students without an approved application as of Oct. 1, 2008, will have to pay full price for their meals.

Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible for free meals or reduced price meals of 25 cents each for breakfast and lunch. Following are the income guidelines for 2008-09 school year, as well as how to apply for free or reduced price meals.

How do I apply for free or reduced price school meals for my child?
1. Complete the application included in the annual back-to-school newsletter or at the link above. You also can obtain an application form at your child's school.
2. Submit a Direct Certification letter received from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance upon request.
3. Return the application or Direct Certification letter to J.W. Gayle, School Lunch Director, Philip Livingston Magnet Academy, 315 Northern Blvd., Albany, NY 12210.

If you now receive food stamps or Aid to Dependent Children (ADC)/Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), the application must include the children's names, the household food stamp/ADC/TANF number, and the signature of an adult household member. All children with the same case number may be listed on the same application. Separate applications are required for children with different case numbers.

If you do not list a food stamp/ADC/TANF number, the application must include the names of everyone in the household, their income, how often the income is received, and where it comes from.

The application also must include the signature of an adult household member and that adult's social security number (or the word "none" if the adult does not have a social security number). Contact your local Department of Social Services for your food stamp or TANF number.

Other information:

• The school may ask you at any time during the school year to verify your eligibility.

• The value of any childcare provided should not be considered as income for this program.

• A foster child may be eligible for benefits. The application must have the child's name, the child's personal use income and an adult signature.

• The Albany School District is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 36-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington D.C., 20250-9410, or call 202-720-59 (voice and TDD).

• If you do not agree with the school's decision about your application, you have the right to a fair hearing. This can be done by calling (475-6020) or writing: Assistant Superintendent for Business Affairs, City School District of Albany, Administration Building, Academy Park, Albany, NY 12207.

• Federal regulations require schools to serve meals at no extra charge to children with disabilities that restrict their diets. You must request the special meals from the school and provide medical certification from a doctor. If you believe your child needs substitutions because of a disability, please contact the school lunch director at 462-7322.

• Disclosure of eligibility information not specifically authorized by the National School Lunch Act requires a written consent from the parent/guardian.

• You may apply for benefits any time during the school year. If you are not eligible now, but during the school year become unemployed, experience a decrease in household income, or an increase in family size, you may complete an application.

Eligibility Income Guidelines Chart