CLAY COUNTY – The Clay County District Schools participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program providing nutritious meals every school day.

The District is pleased to announce again this year the availability of applying for free and reduced-price meals online. This process is safe, secure, private and available anytime, anywhere. Please visit the Clay County District School’s website at www.ClayCountyFNS.com. Paper applications will still be available and will be sent home at the beginning of school. To apply for Free or Reduced-Price Meals, households must complete an online application or a paper application and return it to the school or the Food and Nutrition Services Office. 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. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.

Households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families are required to list on the application only the child’s name, SNAP/TANF case number, and signature of adult household member. Foster children will receive free benefits regardless of the child’s personal income or the income of the household. Households with children who are considered migrants, homeless, or runaway should contact the district liaison at (904)336-1346 or migrant coordinator at (352) 955-6855.

For the purpose of determining household size, deployed service members are considered a part of the household. Families should include the names of the deployed service members on their application. Report only that portion of the deployed service member’s income made available to them or on their behalf to the family. Additionally, a housing allowance that is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative is not to be included as income.

All other households must provide the following information listed on the application:

• Total household income listed by gross amount received, type of income (e.g., wages, child support, etc.) and how often the income is received by each household member;

• Names of all household members – check the “no income” box if applicable; if household member is a child, list school name for each;

• Signature of an adult household member certifying the information provided is correct; and

• Social security number (last 4 digits) of the adult signing the application or the word “NONE” for this household member if he or she does not have a social security number.

Household size and income criteria will be used to determine eligibility. An application cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information. Once approved, meal benefits are good for an entire year. You do not need to notify the organization of changes in income and household size. If previously denied or approved for reduced and a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size changes, please contact the Food and Nutrition Services Department.

Under the provisions of the Free and Reduced-Price meal policy, the Food and Nutrition Services Administrative Support Assistant will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the ruling of the official, he or she may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. If the parent wishes to make a formal appeal, he or she may make a request either orally or in writing to: David S. Broskie, Superintendent of Schools, 900 Walnut St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. (904) 336-6500 or 1-(888) 663-2529.

Unless indicated otherwise on the application, the information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application may be used by the school system in determining eligibility for other educational programs.

To determine annual income:

• If you receive the income every week, multiply the total gross income by 52.

• If you receive the income every two weeks, multiply the total gross income by 26.

• If you receive the income twice a month, multiply the total gross income by 24.

• If you receive the income monthly, multiply the total gross income by 12.

Remember: The total income before taxes, social security, health benefits, union dues, or other deductions must be reported.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov.