Students Benefit from Free and Reduced-cost Meals
Eligibility Scales for 2011-12 (.pdf)
Healthy kids learn better, that's why Sweetwater Schools are committed to giving all children an opportunity to enjoy healthy food.
Each school day, more than 22,000 free- or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches are served to middle and high school students attending Sweetwater Schools.
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) makes it possible for all school children to receive a nutritious lunch every school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.
"Any teacher can tell you that good health is part of the foundation for student success," said School Board President John McCann. "We want every Sweetwater student to have access to healthy meals so that they are ready to learn."
Letters are sent to parents each year telling them about the food program and encouraging them to apply for the program. Household size and income are used to determine eligibility. A simple application is available at all schools and can be submitted at any time during the school year.
Students whose families receive Food Stamps, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (Cal Works), Kinship Guardian Assistance Payments (KinGAP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits are automatically eligible regardless of household income.
The Sweetwater District also announced a return to the standard procedure for SUMMIT SCHOOLS free/reduced meal eligibility application process for the 2011-12 school year.
The following schools that were previously covered under Provision 2 will return to the standard free/reduced meal eligibility application process:
For all SUHSD school sites for the 2011-12 school year, for students to be eligible for free/reduced price meals, households must submit a household eligibility application - one per household - for determination and assignment of free or reduced school meal benefits.
Households that receive Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits may not have to complete an Application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals or Free Milk. School officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR office that a child is a member of a household currently receiving Food Stamp or FDPIR benefits or an assistance unit receiving CalWORKs or Kin-GAP benefits. School officials will notify households of their eligibility, but those who do not want their child(ren) to receive free meals must contact the school. Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, and FDPIR households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility
In 2006, Sweetwater led the way among local school districts in bringing fresh and healthy choices to school cafeterias. That year, the school board adopted a wellness policy that banned sales of soda, candy and junk food on campus.