{ "_metadata": { "source": "https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/ViewPolicy.aspx?S=36030397&revid=j62vnzbWeFZplusiHAvO9Dpgg==", "scrapedAt": "2026-05-24T20:11:49.868Z", "method": "Playwright + Simbli ViewPolicy API scraper" }, "code": "3553", "title": "Free And Reduced Price Meals", "type": "AR", "section": "3000", "lastRevised": "11/19/2025", "lastReviewed": "11/19/2025", "hasAttachment": false, "revid": "j62vnzbWeFZplusiHAvO9Dpgg==", "contentHtml": "\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\nApplications
\n
\nThe Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the district's application form for free and reduced-price meals and related materials include the statements specified in Education Code 49557 and 7 CFR 245.5. The district's application packet shall include the notifications and information listed in Education Code 49557.2.
\n
\nThe application form and related information shall be distributed in paper form to all parents/guardians at the beginning of each school year and shall be available to students at all times during the school day.  (Education Code 48980, 49520, 49557; 42 USC 1758; 7 CFR 245.5)
\n
\nIn addition, the district application form for free and reduced price meals shall be available online. The online application form shall require completion of only those questions necessary for determining eligibility, contain clear instructions for families that are experiencing homelessness or who are migratory and comply with other requirements specified in Education Code 49557.
\n
\nAn application form and related information shall also be provided whenever a new student is enrolled.
\n
\nAt the beginning of each school year, the Superintendent or designee shall send a public release, containing the same information supplied to parents/guardians and including eligibility criteria, to local media, the local unemployment office, and any major employers in the district attendance area contemplating large layoffs. Copies of the public release shall be made available upon request to any interested person.  (7 CFR 245.5)
\n
\nEligibility
\n
\nThe Superintendent or designee shall determine students' eligibility for the free and reduced-price meal program based on the criteria specified in 42 USC 1758 and 1773 and 7 CFR 245.1-245.13 and made available by the California Department of Education.
\n
\nParticipants in the CalFresh, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS), and Medi-Cal programs shall be directly certified for enrollment in the free and reduced-price meal program without further application. Participants in other state or federal programs may be directly certified when authorized by law.  (Education Code 49561, 49562; 42 USC 1758; 7 CFR 245.6)
\n
\nVerification of Eligibility
\n
\nNot later than November 15 of each year, the Superintendent or designee shall verify the eligibility of a sample of household applications approved for the school year in accordance with the sample sizes and procedures specified in 42 USC 1758 and 7 CFR 245.6a.
\n
\nIf the review indicates that the initial eligibility determination is correct, the Superintendent or designee shall verify the approved household application. If the review indicates that the initial eligibility determination is incorrect, the Superintendent or designee shall:  (42 USC 1758; 7 CFR 245.6a)\n\n
    \n\t
  1. If the eligibility status changes from reduced price to free, make the increased benefits immediately available and notify the household of the change in benefits
    \n\t 
    2. \n\t
  2. If the eligibility status changes from free to reduced price, first verify the application, then notify the household of the correct eligibility status, and, when required by law, send a notice of adverse action as described below
    \n\t 
    3. \n\t
  3. If the eligibility status changes from free or reduced price to paid, send the household a notice of adverse action as described below
    4. \n
\nIf, as a result of verification activities, the eligibility of a household that is receiving free or reduced-price benefits cannot be confirmed, or if the household fails to cooperate with verification efforts, the Superintendent or designee shall reduce or terminate benefits, as applicable, and shall properly document and retain on file in the district the reasons for the household's ineligibility. At least 10 days prior to the actual reduction or termination, the Superintendent or designee shall send a notice of adverse action to the household. The notice shall advise the household of:  (7 CFR 245.6a)\n\n
    \n\t
  1. The change and the reasons for the change
    \n\t 
    2. \n\t
  2. The right to appeal, when the appeal must be filed to ensure continued benefits while awaiting a hearing and decision, and instructions on how to appeal
    \n\t 
    3. \n\t
  3. The right to reapply at any time during the school year
    4. \n
\nConfidentiality/Release of Records
\n
\nThe Superintendent designates the following district employee(s) to disclose a student's name and eligibility status from individual meal records only for the purpose of disaggregation of academic achievement data and/or the provision of services under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act pursuant to 20 USC 6301-6576.
\n
\nIn permitting the disclosure of student records for such purposes, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that: (Education Code 49558)\n\n
    \n\t
  1. No individual indicators of participation in the free and reduced-price meal program are maintained in the permanent records of any student if not otherwise allowed by law
    \n\t 
    2. \n\t
  2. Information regarding individual student participation in the free and reduced-price meal program is not publicly released
    \n\t 
    3. \n\t
  3. All other confidentiality provisions required by law are met
    \n\t 
    4. \n\t
  4. Information collected regarding individual students certified to participate in the free and reduced-price meal program is destroyed when no longer needed for its intended purpose
    5. \n
\nNondiscrimination Plan
\n
\nIn implementing the district's food service programs for students who are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals, the district shall ensure the following:  (Education Code 49557; 42 USC 1758)\n\n
    \n\t
  1. The names of the students shall not be published, posted, or announced in any manner, or used for any purpose other than the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, unless otherwise provided by law
    \n\t 
    2. \n\t
  2. There shall be no overt identification of any of the students by the use of special tokens or tickets or by any other means
    \n\t 
    3. \n\t
  3. The students shall not be required to work for their meals
    \n\t 
    4. \n\t
  4. The students shall not be required to use a separate dining area, go through a separate serving line or entrance, or consume their meals at a different time
    5. \n
\n\n\n", "contentText": "Applications\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the district's application form for free and reduced-price meals and related materials include the statements specified in Education Code 49557 and 7 CFR 245.5. The district's application packet shall include the notifications and information listed in Education Code 49557.2.\n\nThe application form and related information shall be distributed in paper form to all parents/guardians at the beginning of each school year and shall be available to students at all times during the school day. (Education Code 48980, 49520, 49557; 42 USC 1758; 7 CFR 245.5)\n\nIn addition, the district application form for free and reduced price meals shall be available online. The online application form shall require completion of only those questions necessary for determining eligibility, contain clear instructions for families that are experiencing homelessness or who are migratory and comply with other requirements specified in Education Code 49557.\n\nAn application form and related information shall also be provided whenever a new student is enrolled.\n\nAt the beginning of each school year, the Superintendent or designee shall send a public release, containing the same information supplied to parents/guardians and including eligibility criteria, to local media, the local unemployment office, and any major employers in the district attendance area contemplating large layoffs. Copies of the public release shall be made available upon request to any interested person. (7 CFR 245.5)\n\nEligibility\n\nThe Superintendent or designee shall determine students' eligibility for the free and reduced-price meal program based on the criteria specified in 42 USC 1758 and 1773 and 7 CFR 245.1-245.13 and made available by the California Department of Education.\n\nParticipants in the CalFresh, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS), and Medi-Cal programs shall be directly certified for enrollment in the free and reduced-price meal program without further application. Participants in other state or federal programs may be directly certified when authorized by law. (Education Code 49561, 49562; 42 USC 1758; 7 CFR 245.6)\n\nVerification of Eligibility\n\nNot later than November 15 of each year, the Superintendent or designee shall verify the eligibility of a sample of household applications approved for the school year in accordance with the sample sizes and procedures specified in 42 USC 1758 and 7 CFR 245.6a.\n\nIf the review indicates that the initial eligibility determination is correct, the Superintendent or designee shall verify the approved household application. If the review indicates that the initial eligibility determination is incorrect, the Superintendent or designee shall: (42 USC 1758; 7 CFR 245.6a)\n\n\tIf the eligibility status changes from reduced price to free, make the increased benefits immediately available and notify the household of the change in benefits\n\n\tIf the eligibility status changes from free to reduced price, first verify the application, then notify the household of the correct eligibility status, and, when required by law, send a notice of adverse action as described below\n\n\tIf the eligibility status changes from free or reduced price to paid, send the household a notice of adverse action as described below\n\nIf, as a result of verification activities, the eligibility of a household that is receiving free or reduced-price benefits cannot be confirmed, or if the household fails to cooperate with verification efforts, the Superintendent or designee shall reduce or terminate benefits, as applicable, and shall properly document and retain on file in the district the reasons for the household's ineligibility. At least 10 days prior to the actual reduction or termination, the Superintendent or designee shall send a notice of adverse action to the household. The notice shall advise the household of: (7 CFR 245.6a)\n\n\tThe change and the reasons for the change\n\n\tThe right to appeal, when the appeal must be filed to ensure continued benefits while awaiting a hearing and decision, and instructions on how to appeal\n\n\tThe right to reapply at any time during the school year\n\nConfidentiality/Release of Records\n\nThe Superintendent designates the following district employee(s) to disclose a student's name and eligibility status from individual meal records only for the purpose of disaggregation of academic achievement data and/or the provision of services under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act pursuant to 20 USC 6301-6576.\n\nIn permitting the disclosure of student records for such purposes, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure that: (Education Code 49558)\n\n\tNo individual indicators of participation in the free and reduced-price meal program are maintained in the permanent records of any student if not otherwise allowed by law\n\n\tInformation regarding individual student participation in the free and reduced-price meal program is not publicly released\n\n\tAll other confidentiality provisions required by law are met\n\n\tInformation collected regarding individual students certified to participate in the free and reduced-price meal program is destroyed when no longer needed for its intended purpose\n\nNondiscrimination Plan\n\nIn implementing the district's food service programs for students who are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals, the district shall ensure the following: (Education Code 49557; 42 USC 1758)\n\n\tThe names of the students shall not be published, posted, or announced in any manner, or used for any purpose other than the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, unless otherwise provided by law\n\n\tThere shall be no overt identification of any of the students by the use of special tokens or tickets or by any other means\n\n\tThe students shall not be required to work for their meals\n\n\tThe students shall not be required to use a separate dining area, go through a separate serving line or entrance, or consume their meals at a different time", "footnotes": [ { "type": "State", "references": [ { "code": "5 CCR 15510", "description": "Mandatory meals for needy students", "url": "https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/I43C602534C6911EC93A8000D3A7C4BC3?viewType=FullText&originationContext=documenttoc&transitionType=CategoryPageItem&contextData=(sc.Default)" }, { "code": "5 CCR 15530-15535", "description": "Nutrition education", "url": "https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Browse/Home/California/CaliforniaCodeofRegulations?guid=I43CA6F204C6911EC93A8000D3A7C4BC3&transitionType=Default&contextData=%28sc.Default%29#I43CC1CD34C6911EC93A8000D3A7C4BC3" }, { "code": "5 CCR 15550-15565", "description": "School lunch and breakfast programs", "url": "https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Browse/Home/California/CaliforniaCodeofRegulations?guid=I43DD33D04C6911EC93A8000D3A7C4BC3&transitionType=Default&contextData=%28sc.Default%29#I43DEE1844C6911EC93A8000D3A7C4BC3" }, { "code": "Ed. Code 48980", "description": "Parent/Guardian notifications", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=48980." }, { "code": "Ed. Code 49430-49434", "description": "Pupil Nutrition, Health, and Achievement Act of 2001", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&division=4.&title=2.&part=27.&chapter=9.&article=2.5." }, { "code": "Ed. Code 49490-49494", "description": "School breakfast and lunch programs", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&division=4.&title=2.&part=27.&chapter=9.&article=7." }, { "code": "Ed. Code 49501.5-49506", "description": "School Meals", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&division=4.&title=2.&part=27.&chapter=9.&article=8." }, { "code": "Ed. Code 49510-49520", "description": "Nutrition", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&division=4.&title=2.&part=27.&chapter=9.&article=9." }, { "code": "Ed. Code 49530-49536", "description": "Child Nutrition Act", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&division=4.&title=2.&part=27.&chapter=9.&article=10." }, { "code": "Ed. Code 49547-49548.3", "description": "Comprehensive nutrition services", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=EDC&division=4.&title=2.&part=27.&chapter=9.&article=10.7." }, { "code": "Ed. Code 49550.3-49562", "description": "Meals for needy students", "url": "" }, { "code": "Ed. Code 49564.3", "description": "High-poverty schools; universal meal service", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EDC§ionNum=49564.3." } ] }, { "type": "Federal", "references": [ { "code": "20 USC 1232g", "description": "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974", "url": "https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1232g%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section1232g)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true" }, { "code": "20 USC 6301-6576", "description": "Title I Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged", "url": "" }, { "code": "42 USC 1751-1769j", "description": "School Lunch Program", "url": "https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title42/chapter13&edition=prelim" }, { "code": "42 USC 1771-1791", "description": "Child nutrition", "url": "" }, { "code": "42 USC 1773", "description": "School Breakfast Program", "url": "https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:42%20section:1773%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title42-section1773)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true" }, { "code": "7 CFR 210.1-210.33", "description": "National School Lunch Program", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-A/part-210" }, { "code": "7 CFR 220.10-220.21", "description": "National School Breakfast Program", "url": "" }, { "code": "7 CFR 245.1-245.13", "description": "Eligibility for free and reduced-price meals and free milk", "url": "" } ] }, { "type": "Management Resources", "references": [ { "code": "California Department of Education Publication", "description": "Updated Guidance on Sharing of School Meal Applications and the Passing of Assembly Bill 1599, Management Bulletin SNP-12-2015, July 2015", "url": "https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/sn/mbsnp122015.asp" }, { "code": "California Department of Education Publication", "description": "Clarification on the Sharing of Individual Student Eligibility Information for Local Control and Accountability Plan Purposes, Management Bulletin SNP-02-2018, May 2018", "url": "https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/sn/mbsnp022018.asp" }, { "code": "CSBA Publication", "description": "Monitoring for Success: A Guide for Assessing and Strengthening Student Wellness Policies, 2012", "url": "https://www.csba.org/-/media/CSBA/Files/GovernanceResources/EducationIssues/ConditionsofChildren/201211MonitoringForSuccess.ashx?la=en&rev=90a8b252b84a4e80b2ebd6c1a6899865" }, { "code": "CSBA Publication", "description": "Student Wellness: A Healthy Food and Physical Activity Policy Resource Guide, April 2006", "url": "https://www.csba.org/~/~/media/B5947DF3DE58432C9B038C9C38360684.ashx" }, { "code": "U.S. Department of Agriculture Publication", "description": "Provision 2 Guidance: National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, Summer 2002", "url": "https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/provision-2-guidance-national-school-lunch-and-school-breakfast-programs" }, { "code": "U.S. Dept of Agriculture Publication", "description": "Eligibility Manual for School Meals: Determining and Verifying Eligibility, July 2017", "url": "https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/eligibility-manual-school-meals" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "CSBA District and County Office of Education Legal Services", "url": "https://legalservices.csba.org/" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service", "url": "http://www.fns.usda.gov" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "Nourish California", "url": "http://www.cfpa.net" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition)", "url": "http://www.californiaprojectlean.org" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "California Department of Education, School Nutrition", "url": "https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/sn/" }, { "code": "Website", "description": "CSBA", "url": "http://www.csba.org" } ] } ], "crossRefs": [ { "code": "0200", "title": "Goals For The School District", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "0410", "title": "Nondiscrimination In District Programs And Activities", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "0460", "title": "Local Control And Accountability Plan", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "0460", "title": "Local Control And Accountability Plan", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "1340", "title": "Access To District Records", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "1340", "title": "Access To District Records", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "1400", "title": "Relations Between Other Governmental Agencies And The Schools", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3100", "title": "Budget", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3100", "title": "Budget", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3250", "title": "Transportation Fees", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3250", "title": "Transportation Fees", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3260", "title": "Fees And Charges", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3260", "title": "Fees And Charges", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3550", "title": "Food Service/Child Nutrition Program", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3550", "title": "Food Service/Child Nutrition Program", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3551", "title": "Food Service Operations/Cafeteria Fund", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3551", "title": "Food Service Operations/Cafeteria Fund", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3554", "title": "Other Food Sales", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3554", "title": "Other Food Sales", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3555", "title": "Nutrition Program Compliance", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3555-E PDF(1)", "title": "Nutrition Program Compliance", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "3555-E(1)", "title": "Nutrition Program Compliance", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "4119.23", "title": "Unauthorized Release Of Confidential/Privileged Information", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "4219.23", "title": "Unauthorized Release Of Confidential/Privileged Information", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5030", "title": "Student Wellness", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5117", "title": "Interdistrict Attendance", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5125", "title": "Student Records", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5125", "title": "Student Records", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5141.6", "title": "School Health Services", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5145.3", "title": "Nondiscrimination/Harassment", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5145.3", "title": "Nondiscrimination/Harassment", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5145.6", "title": "Parent/Guardian Notifications", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5145.6-E PDF(1)", "title": "Parent/Guardian Notifications", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5148.2", "title": "Before/After School Programs", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "5148.2", "title": "Before/After School Programs", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6162.51", "title": "State Academic Achievement Tests", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6171", "title": "Title I Programs", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6171", "title": "Title I Programs", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6173", "title": "Education For Homeless Children", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6173", "title": "Education For Homeless Children", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6173-E PDF(1)", "title": "Education For Homeless Children", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6173.1", "title": "Education For Foster Youth", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6173.1", "title": "Education For Foster Youth", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6175", "title": "Migrant Education Program", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6175", "title": "Migrant Education Program", "type": "AR" }, { "code": "6177", "title": "Summer Learning Programs", "type": "AR" } ], "attachments": [] }