HAR §8-37-4. Eligibility

(a) Eligibility for free or reduced priced meals shall be determined by the department in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, part 245, "Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk." (b) Prior to the beginning of school, or during the first week of school, the department shall disseminate information and applications for free or reduced price meals as follows: (1) A public release shall be provided to the local news media, the unemployment office, and to any major employers contemplating large layoffs in the area from which the school draws its attendance. The public release shall contain the same information provided to households under paragraph (2). (2) The department shall distribute letters to the households of all enrolled students to inform them that they may apply for free or reduced priced meals. The letter shall contain the following: (A) The reduced price eligibility criteria and an explanation that households with income at or below the reduced price criteria would be eligible for either free or reduced price meals. (B) An explanation of how and where to apply for free or reduced price meals. (C) An explanation of the information that is needed before consideration can be given to an application. (D) An explanation that the information on the application is subject to verification during the school year. (E) A statement that recipients must notify the department during the school year of any increase in income of over $50 per month or of $600 a year, or such other amounts as the relevant federal programs shall require, or of any decrease in household size. (F) A statement that a household may apply for benefits at any time during the school year as its family income circumstances change. (G) A statement that children having parents or guardians who become unemployed are eligible for benefits, provided that the loss of income causes household income to be within the eligibility criteria. (H) A statement that, in certain cases, foster children are eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. (I) The statement: "In the operation of the child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age or handicap." (J) A statement that the decision of the department with respect to the application may be appealed. (K) A statement that an application is attached. [Eff. 11/28/83; comp and ren §8-37-3.1 8/28/95; am and comp 6/15/09] (Auth: HRS §302A-1112) (Imp: HRS §§302A-1112; 42 U.S.C.1772, 1773, 1779, 7 C.F.R. 245; 43 U.S.C. 1751-60, 7 C.F.R. 245)