News Summary
Lexington County School District One has announced its free and reduced-price meal policy for the 2025-2026 school year, effective from July 1, 2025. The initiative aims to support eligible households through essential nutritional programs. Families must meet specific income criteria and provide required documentation to apply. Additionally, the district will participate in the USDA Summer Meals Program, offering free meals during summer months. The policy reflects the district’s commitment to ensuring that students receive nutritious meals to support their health and education.
Lexington, SC – Lexington County School District One has officially declared its free and reduced-price meal policy for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, which is set to take effect from July 1, 2025, until June 30, 2026. The new policy aims to ensure that students from eligible households receive crucial nutritional support through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Local school officials have established specific household size and income criteria that will determine a family’s eligibility for receiving free or reduced-price meals. Eligibility is primarily based on household income levels that fall within predetermined thresholds. Families seeking to apply for the program must provide required documentation to ascertain their eligibility for benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
Households must supply certain information to confirm eligibility, including one of the following:
- A SNAP or TANF case number accompanied by an adult signature.
- The names and Social Security numbers of adult household members, current income details for each member, along with a certification signature from an adult household member.
It is important to note that foster children are eligible for benefits independent of their household income. Households that include foster children must incorporate them in their meal application forms unless the school district provides other guidance.
Tori Lowery, the Eligibility Supervisor, will be responsible for reviewing applications, ensuring that all assessments are thorough. If parents or guardians have any concerns regarding the outcome of the application review, they are encouraged to address these issues informally. For those who wish to pursue a formal appeal, they may request a hearing with Jennifer Miller, the Chief Financial Officer, at the district’s office located at 100 Tarrar Springs Road, Lexington, S.C., 29072.
Changes in Household Circumstances
Families experiencing changes in their household situations, such as job loss or alterations in household size, should promptly communicate with the school. These changes may render the household eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the revised criteria.
Access to Policy Information
The complete meal policy is available for review at each school and in the office of the District Superintendent. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ensures that the program remains free of discrimination based on race, disability, and income status. Additionally, individuals with disabilities can access program information through alternative means of communication.
Should there be any instances of perceived discrimination, individuals can complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form online or acquire it through a written request addressed to the USDA.
Summer Meals Program
Lexington County School District One will also participate in the USDA Summer Meals Program, providing free meals for students throughout the summer months. Parents and guardians can sign up for meal pick-up via ParentSquare for designated time slots. Key pick-up dates are scheduled for June 11, June 18, June 25, and July 2, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Meal Pick-Up Locations
Designated meal pick-up locations include:
- Centerville Elementary School
- Deerfield Elementary School
- Pelion Middle School
If children are not present during pick-up, valid documentation must be presented, such as identification cards or report cards. These documents may also be shown in digital format to ensure a smooth process.
This initiative reflects Lexington County School District One’s commitment to providing nutritious meals to students, thereby supporting their health and education during academic and summer periods alike.
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Additional Resources
- SW Lexington Ledger: Lexington One Announces Policy for Free and Reduced-Price Lunches
- Wikipedia: National School Lunch Program
- ABC Columbia: Lexington One to Offer Free Summer Meals for All Students
- Google Search: School lunch program
- Kentucky.com: Local Education News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Nutrition Act
- WISTV: Lexington School District Two Offers Free Meals to Students
- Google News: School nourishment
