National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, Special Milk Program
Ripon Area School District students who are unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program or milk for split-session students served under the Special Milk Program may apply for free or reduced-price meals or free milk. Each school office and the District Services Center has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
Application forms are available to parents or guardians on the Free Reduced Price Meal page of the website or in paper format at all school offices and the District Services Center. To apply for free or reduced-price meals or free milk, households must fill out the application and return it to the school or District Services Center. The information provided on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.
To obtain free or reduced price meals or free milk for children for whom households receive FoodShare FDPIR, or Wisconsin Works (W-2) cash benefits, an adult member needs only to list the names of the school children, give FoodShare, FDPIR or W-2 case number for each child, sign his/her name and return the application to the school office.
For the school officials to determine eligibility for free or reduced price meals or free milk of households not receiving FoodShare, FDPIR or W-2, the household must provide the following information requested on the application: names of all household members, and the social security number of the adult household member who signs the application. In lieu of a social security number, the household may indicate that the signer does not possess a social security number. Also, the income received by each household member must be provided by amount and source (wages, welfare, child support, etc.).
Under the provisions of the free and reduced price meal and free milk policy, the Business Manager, or designee will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the ruling of the official, he/she may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis.
If the parent/guardian wishes to make a formal appeal, he/she may make a request either orally or in writing to the Ripon Area School District Business Manager, P.O. Box 991, Ripon, WI 54971 (Telephone: 748-4600).
If a hearing is needed to appeal the decision, the policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size changes, the family should contact the school. Such changes may make the house¬hold eligible for reduced price meals or free meals or free milk and they may reapply at that time.
In certain cases foster children are also eligible for these benefits. If a household has foster children living with them and wishes to apply for free or reduced price meals, the household should complete an application for a family of one or contact the school for more information.
The information provided by the household on the application is confidential. Public Law 103-448 does authorize the release of student free and reduced price school meal eligibility status to persons directly connected with the administration and enforcement of federal or state educational programs.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795- 3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Any questions regarding the application should be directed to the determining official.
