Federal Income Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price School Lunches to Remain at Current Levels for 2013-14 School Year

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released the federal income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals and free milk for July 2013 through June 2014.

Schools and other institutions and facilities use the guidelines to determine eligibility for the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program for Children, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program.

Households receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), need only include the SNAP or TANF case number on their application. Households enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals and should complete a Household Meal Benefit Application.

Federal law prohibits any child eligible under these programs from being discriminated against based on race, sex, color, national origin, age or disability. 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to the USDA, Director, Office Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll-free 1-866-632-9992.  TDD users can contact the USDA through local relay or the federal relay at 1-800-877-8339 (TDD) or 1-866-377-8642 (relay voice users).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information on school nutrition, visit www.education.state.pa.us and enter keyword "School Nutrition."

Media contact: Tim Eller, 717-783-9802

Editor's note:  The following annual income eligibility guidelines are effective July 1, 2013, until further notice:

Family Size     Free Meals or Milk    Reduced Price Meals     Not Eligible
                        (130% of Poverty         (185% of Poverty
                        Guidelines)                 Guidelines)

One                 $0 to $14,937             $14,938 to $21,257            $21,258 and up

Two                 $0 to $20,163             $20,164 to $28,694            $28,695 and up

Three               $0 to $25,389            $25,390 to $36,131             $36,132 and up

Four                $0 to $30,615             $30,616 to $43,568            $43,569 and up

Five                 $0 to $35,841             $35,842 to $51,005            $51,006 and up

Six                  $0 to $41,067             $41,068 to $58,442            $58,443 and up

Seven              $0 to $46,293             $46,294 to $65,879            $65,880 and up

Eight               $0 to $51,519             $51,520 to $73,316            $73,317 and up

For Each Additional
Family Member
Add:                +$5,226                         +$7,437                           +$7,438

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education