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Eligibility requirements up slightly for free, reduced school lunches
The Daily Freeman is reporting the eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school lunches have increased slightly. Under the new guidelines, a child from a family of two qualifies for free lunch, breakfast and milk during the 2018-19 school year if the family has an annual income or $21,398 or less, an increase of nearly $300 from the previous year. That same child would be eligible for a reduced-price lunch and breakfast if the annual family income is $30,451 or less, an income amount $400 more than last year. The eligibility guidelines are issued by the federal government and are the same for families nationwide. A students who qualifies for a free lunch also receives a free breakfast. All children living in a household that receives support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families are eligible for free meal benefits. Parents and guardians can apply for free and reduced-price benefits at their child's school at any point during the school year. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.