N.J. Admin. Code § 2:36-1.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 2:36-1.5 - Free and reduced-price meal and/or free milk application

(a) The Division shall prepare a household application form that shall be used by all school districts. A copy of the application shall be provided to each district upon approval of a web-based submission/certification of the accompanying letter to parents.

(b) The parent or guardian shall be given at least two weeks from the date of receipt of the application to complete and submit the application to the school district which must provide adequate assistance to parents in completing these applications.

(c) Applications in languages other than English must be provided by the school food authority where non-English speaking parents are possible applicants. (An application in Spanish is available from the Division of Food and Nutrition.) Other language translations are available on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

(d) Upon receipt of the completed application, the district must determine each student's Federal eligibility for a free or reduced-price meal and/or free milk from the information submitted. Each student shall be offered free or reduced-price meals and/or free milk as soon as Federal eligibility has been determined. Students are eligible for school meal benefits or free milk for the school year and up to 30 operating days in the subsequent school year. If the school has reason to question the information provided, the student affected must continue to receive the Federal free or reduced-price meals and/or free milk until completion of the appeal procedures set forth in the sponsor's policy pursuant to Federal regulations (7 CFR 245.7 Hearing Procedure for Families and School Food Authorities).

(e) Local officials may complete an application for a student believed to be eligible if the household fails to apply. The school official must complete an application on behalf of the student based on the best household size and income information available to the school official. The source of the information must be noted on the application. This option is intended for limited use in individual situations and must not be used to make eligibility determinations for categories or groups of students.

(f) If the student is found to be Federally ineligible for free or reduced-price school meals, the district must then determine the student's eligibility for a State-funded free lunch, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:33-4.a, in accordance with the State-specified income eligibility guidelines described therein.

N.J. Admin. Code § 2:36-1.5

Amended by 49 N.J.R. 1675(a), effective 6/19/2017

Amended by 56 N.J.R. 1969(a), effective 10/7/2024