EFC Free and Reduced Price Food Programs
File: EFC
[SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES: FREE ANDMEALS REDUCEDFOR PRICEALL FOOD PROGRAMS]STUDENTS
The RSUBoard recognizes that sound nutrition is essential to students’ physical and social-emotional well-being and their readiness to learn.
Regional School Unit 1 schoolwill systemparticipate, takesas partfeasible, in the National School Lunch programProgram whichand assuresSchool thatBreakfast Program and other food programs reimbursable through federal funds.
Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, Regional School Unit 1 will provide free school meals to all childrenstudents forregardless whomof thisfamily Boardincome. isSuch responsiblemeals shallwill havemeet the opportunitynutritional torequirements receiveestablished properin nourishment.
All parents shall be advised that this program is available and
eligibility criteria shall be made public.regulations.
In accordanceorder withto themaximize guidelinesfunding for participation in these programs,schools and into accordancebe withable theto wishesidentify ofadditional thebenefits Board,for nowhich childfamilies whomay be eligible, parents will be asked to complete an alternate economic status form.
Students are still free to bring their own breakfast or lunch to school and/or to purchase a teacherla believescarte isitems. improperlyAll nourisheda shallla carte items must be deniedpaid a lunch, or other food,
simply because proper application has not been received from his/her
parents or guardian.
It shall be the policy in our schools that when school lunch is desired,
payment is expected on that day orfor in advance by/foror pupils not eligible
for free lunches. Should there be any difficulty in obtaining such
payment,at the mattertime isof to be resolved by direct contact with the parent
(or student, if emancipated). No student will be denied food as a
disciplinary measure.purchase.
TheLegal administrationReference: shall20-A establishMRSA § 6601 et seq.
Cross-Reference: EFBA – Menu Options/Offer vs. Serve
EF – Nutrition Services: Unpaid Meal Charges and publish,Prohibition ason appropriate,Food procedures which conform with state and federal requirements and the
intent of this policy regarding participation in programs for
free/reduced price meals and supplementary food.Shaming
Adopted: May 11, 1992
Reviewed: July 10, 2006
Revised: May 19, 20142014; November 25, 2024