Here are answers to questions you may have about applying:

1. Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No. Complete the application to apply for free or reduced price meal. Only use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household who are attending Murfreesboro City Schools Pre-K through 6th grades. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information.

2. Who can get free meals?
Children in households getting Food Stamps or Families First and most foster children can get free meals regardless of your income. If your students were receiving TANF (Families First) or Food Stamps in May 2008, they do not need to return this application; they are automatically eligible For free meals. If you do not wish your eligible student(s) to receive free meals, please call Nancy Colvin at 615-893-2313 x 485. Also, your children can get free price meals if your household income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines.

3. Can homeless, runaway and migrant children get free meals?
Please call Candy Clifford at 615-893-2313 to see if your child(ren) qualify, if you have not been informed that they will get free meals.

4. Who can get reduced price meals?
Your children can get low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Income Chart, shown on the application.

5. Should I fill out an application if I got a letter this school year saying my children are approved for free or reduced price meals?
Please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions.

6. I get WIC. Can my child(ren) get free meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please fill out an application.

7. Will the information I give be checked?
Yes, we may ask you to send written proof.

8. If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later?
Yes. You may apply at any time during the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start getting Food Stamps, Families First or other benefits. If you lose your job, your children may be able to get free or reduced price meals.

9. What if I disagree with the decision about my application?
You should talk to the Supervisor of School Nutrition. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: The Department of School Nutrition, Atten: Nancy Colvin, 2552 South Church St., Murfreesboro, TN 37127 or call 615-893-2313 x 485.

10. May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You or your child(ren) do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for free or reduced price meals.

11. Who should I include as members of my household?
You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends). You must include yourself and all children who live with you.

12. What if my income is not always the same?
List the amount that you normally get. For example: if you normally get $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but not if you get it only sometimes.

13. We are in the military, do we include our housing allowance as income?
If your housing is part of the Military Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. All other allowances must be included in your gross income.

If you have other questions, or need help, call 615-893-2313 x 485.
Si necesita ayuda, pro favor llame al telefono 615-893-2313 x 485.