The Pine Bluff School District will provide meals free for all students participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program for the 2018-2019 school year, according to a news release from district official Pearl Matlock.
The Pine Bluff district is particpating in the Community Eligibility Provision, which makes meals free to all students regardless of their eligibility category, according to the release.
All adults (visitors, teachers, support staff members, and administrators) in the district must pay the full cost of the meal which is $2 for breakfast and $3.50 for lunch.
The free student meals are made possible through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Special Assistance Certification and Reimbursement Community Eligibility Provision, according to the release.
“Federal reimbursement for meals is based on the Identified Student Percentage (ISP) established by the district. The information used to establish the ISP will be made available only to state and federal officials for review,” according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In accordance with federal law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication, should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
To file a complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD 3027) found online at http:www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html or at any USDA office.