Parents reminded to apply for free or reduced school meals after job loss

Parents who lose their jobs or their financial situation changes during the school year may want to check with the school district to find if their children now qualify for free or reduced meals.

Colette Pohlkamp, Brainerd School District food service director, said some parents may not realize they can apply - or re-apply - anytime during the school year for the federal subsidy. The applications are reviewed immediately and can be done with a simple phone call.

Pohlkamp said by December of 2008, 40 percent of the district's students qualified for free or reduced meals. That number increased to 44 percent by December of 2009. The number of applications also increased by 200 from last year.

Pohlkamp said a family of four may qualify for reduced meals if they make less than $40,793 a year, $3,400 a month or $785 weekly.

Pohlkamp noted information that a student receives free or reduced lunches is kept confidential. Students use a PIN number while in the lunch line.

The district qualifies for other aid based on the percentage of students who receive free or reduced meals as well.

To download an application, visit the district's Web site, www.isd181.org, and click on the "Programs and Services" link to the left, then the "Food Service" link.

For more information, contact Pohlkamp at 454-6939 or (800) 720-1619.