Font ResizeNew federal guidelines and a struggling economy mean more Utah schoolchildren likely will be eligible for free or reduced-price lunches next year.
Utah education officials urge families living "on the edge" to take advantage of the program, even if they think they earn too much to qualify.
"Utahns tend to be pretty independent. But with unemployment rising and people's work hours being cut, applying for school meals is one way that we can provide families some relief," said Charlene Allert, state assistant director of Child Nutrition Programs.
Children in households of four with incomes at or below $40,793 can get discounted schools meals, including breakfast where it's available. A family of four earning $28,665 or less may qualify for free meals.
Allert is still compiling enrollment totals for the 2008-09 school year, but said more families are participating in the program. Whether that's because of the economy, she can't yet say.
Enrollment varies from district to district, according to Allert, who says some schools do a better job of marketing the program than others.
Children approved for Food Stamps and cash assistance are automatically enrolled. Some foster children who are legal wards of the court are also eligible.
All other parents should receive confidential application forms from their child's school. The forms can be returned to the school or district office at any time during the year.
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