The Illinois State Board of Education has released the new eligibility guidelines for students to receive a free and reduced-price lunch, breakfast, and after-school snack through the National School Lunch Program, and School Breakfast Program.
The new policy went into effect at the start of the 2019 fiscal year, which began on July 1st, and is a reflection of changes in the federal poverty guidelines.
A household of four would have to make less than $32,630 annually ($2,720 monthly) in order to qualify for free meals and less than $46,435 monthly ($3,870 monthly) to get reduced-cost meals.
It was announced last month that Galesburg students, Kindergarten through 8th grade, already get the benefit of free breakfast and lunches; however, that program does not extend to the high school.
According to the 2017 School Report card from the State Board of Education, over 61.9 percent of District 205 students classified as coming from low-income households – and may already receive free or reduced meals.
Households with children that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) money do not have to complete the application to receive free or reduced-price meal benefits.
The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Programs are funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, and ISBE is responsible for administering the funds.
The new guidelines can be found here.
