Eligible students at five schools across Hawaii, from early learning centers to high schools, can receive free or reduced-price meals this academic year. (CNS file photo / 2018)
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Five schools on Oahu and Hawaii island are participating this academic year in federal programs that offer children from qualifying households free or reduced-price meals.
In Honolulu, St. Philomena Early Learning Center and Mary, Star of the Sea Early Learning Center are joining the programs for the 2024-25 school year. In Hilo, St. Joseph Preschool, St. Joseph Elementary School and St. Joseph High School are participating.
The National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program are meal programs offered in both public and nonprofit private schools, as well as in residential child care institutions. They allow campuses to provide free or reduced-price meals to students who qualify according to a range of guidelines.
Children can qualify if their families receive assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Students can also qualify if they’ve been established as a homeless, migrant, runaway or foster child, or if they are enrolled in a Head Start program.
There are also income eligibility guidelines that can help determine if students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
The Hawaii Catholic Schools office has provided information (see table) on the household sizes and incomes required in order for children to receive free or reduced-price meals.
Participating schools will send application forms and a letter home with students to their parents or guardians.
Households will be notified once their information has been verified and relayed back to schools. They can decline the meal benefits for their children but must let their schools know.
Once a household is accepted and approved for free or reduced-price meals, they do not have to report changes in income, household size or whether they still are eligible for SNAP or TANF. However, their application information can be verified at any time during the school year.
Click here to see a chart of the qualifying income levels.