At Mohonasen, free or reduced price breakfast/lunches are provided to students who meet the income guidelines set by the National School Lunch Act. Per the federal government, applications must be submitted yearly to continue receiving these benefits.
Application forms are mailed to the district residents each August, and are also available located below, along with more information located in the brochure. Please submit your application by email to LFlansburg@mohonasen.org, or by fax to (518) 356-8294. You can also send it in with your child to give to the cashier in the cafeteria.
Application for Free and Reduced Priced Meals
Mohonasen Food Service Brochure
For more information on the National Free and Reduced Price School Program, or for confidential assistance with completing the application, please contact the Food Service Department at (518)356-8225.
FAQs on Free and Reduced Price Meals
How can I apply?
To get free or reduced-price meals for your children you may submit a Direct Certification letter received from the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance OR carefully complete one application for your household and return it to the designated office.
If you now receive SNAP, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) for any children, or participate in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), the application must include the children’s names, the household SNAP, TANF or FDPIR number and the signature of an adult household member. All children should be listed on the same application. If you do not list a SNAP, TANF or FDPIR number for all the children for whom you are applying, the application must include the names of everyone in the household, the amount of income earned by each household member, how often the income is received and where it comes from.
It must include the signature of an adult household member and the last four digits of the adult’s social security number, or check the box that says “none” if the adult does not have a social security number. An application for free and reduced price benefits cannot be approved unless complete eligibility information is submitted, as indicated on the application and in the instructions. Contact your local Department of Social Services for your SNAP or TANF number, or complete the income portion of the application.
Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to the “Mohonasen Central School District.”
For more information or questions: call Lynn Flansburg at (518) 356-8225.
Who can get free meals?
All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or TANF, can get free meals regardless of your income. Categorical eligibility for free meal benefits is extended to all children in a household when the application lists an Assistance Program’s case number for any household member. Also, your children can get free meals if your household’s gross income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. Households with children who are categorically eligible through an Other Source Categorically Eligible designation, as defined by law, may be eligible for free benefits and should contact the SFA for assistance in receiving benefits.
Who can get reduced price meals?
For the individuals who are eligible and qualify for reduced price meals, both breakfast and lunch meals will be free. The reduced price eligibility category is for record keeping purposes for the federal government.
Can foster children get free meals?
Yes, foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are eligible for free meals. Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income. Foster children may also be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits for other children. If non-foster children in a foster family are not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, an eligible foster child will still receive free benefits.
Can homeless, runaway, and migrant children get free meals?
Yes, those who meet the definition may. Please contact the district’s “homeless” liaison, Christopher Ruberti at (518) 356-8210 to see if your child(ren) qualifies.
Should I fill out an application if I received a letter this school year saying my children are approved for free and reduced-price meals?
Please read the letter you received carefully and follow the instructions. Call the food service director at (518)356-8225 if you have questions. Also, you may apply for benefits any time during the school year. If you are not eligible now, but during the school year become unemployed, have a decrease in household income, or an increase in family size you may request and complete an application at that time.
My child’s application was approved last year. Do I need to fill out another one?
Yes. Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first 30 days of this school year. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new year.
What if I disagree with the school’s decision about my application?
You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling (518) 356-8210 or writing to: Christopher Ruberti, 2072 Curry Road, Schenectady, NY 12303.
MORE INFORMATION
Food Service Program
Kimberly Gagnon, Supervisor
2072 Curry Road
Schenectady, NY 12303
kgagnon@mohonasen.org
518.356.8225