Free Meals Extended through June 30, 2021! On October 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced extensions of nationwide waivers permitting Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) operations through June 30, 2021. Waivers extended through June 30 include those that allow SFSP and SSO meals to be served in all areas and at no cost; permit meals to be served outside the typically required group settings and meal times; waive meal pattern requirements, as necessary; and allow parents and guardians to pick-up meals for their children. All waivers are available on the USDA webpage.
JAG is currently operating under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) and has been approved to provide free meals through June 3, 2021.
What does this mean? Currently all in person students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch during normal serving times and online students are eligible for meal pick-up or delivery every Monday.
This is for one meal per serving period each day. Any ala carte items or “second” meals are not free and require payment.
Should families still complete a free/reduced meal form? Yes, please!
As we continue this interesting year of 2020, many of the families at James A Garfield have not reapplied for free/reduced meals. This does make sense, as meals are currently free for all students, both breakfast and lunch, but there are other important considerations.
The school district receives various funding and is eligible for additional grant opportunities based on the number of free/reduced applicants attending school. A reduction in applicants leads to a reduction in funding.
Also many families received pandemic funding cards through the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services if they qualified for free/reduced meals. The data is collected through the school district and if you do not have a current application on file with James A Garfield; any future relief funds will not be available to you.
If you have already applied or received a direct certification letter, thank you! If not, please consider completing an application either via the online system at http://jaglocal.schoollunchapp.com or you can download a copy of the application at jagschools.org.
If you have questions, please contact the district office at 330.527.4336 or via email at tknauer@jagschools.org and we will assist you.