Dear Parents,

We are pleased to announce the continuation of the Hot Lunch Program at the Elementary school and the Middle School beginning in September.  This letter will answer many questions and provide specific details on how to register for the program.

What is the hot lunch program? 
A Federally Subsidized Hot Lunch Program that brings quality, nutritious meals directly to your child's school.  Qualification, established by the Federal Government and based on household income, may entitle your child to a free or reduced-price hot lunch.  Students who do not qualify for the government subsidy will still be able to purchase hot lunches at the full price.

What grades will participate?
This year the program will be available for students in grades 1-8.

How often will hot lunch be served? 
This year, hot lunches will be served in the ELEMENTARY school 4 days a week, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting the first Monday of school, September 12, 2011.

This year we will offer a once a week pizza only option to ELEMENTARY students. You may purchase the Wednesday lunch only, but you still must sign up at the beginning of the school year for the entire school year. This only applies to those who do not qualify for the government subsidy. This is NOT the PTA pizza day program. This meal will include all of the 5 components of the hot lunch program – Protein, Carb, Fruit, Vegetable and Milk.

Hot lunches for MIDDLE SCHOOL will be served 3 days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting the second day of school, September 7, 2011. Please note that there will NOT be Hot Lunch after June 14th for the Middle School. The price has been adjusted accordingly.

What kind of food will be served?
All food will be Cholov Yisroel and Yoshon and delivered fresh by our food provider. Attached you will find the planned Hot Lunch Menu for September.

Can I sign up once a week?  Once a month?  When my child likes the food?
To participate in the program, you must sign up at the beginning of the school year for the entire school year. If for some reason you need to cancel (i.e. your child is not eating the food), you may do so by contacting the Business Office during the year.

Are there refunds for school cancellation days or absences?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds for school cancellation days or absences.

How do I know if I am eligible for free or reduced meals?
Household size and income determine eligibility as established by the Federal Government.  For example, a child from a family of four would be entitled to a free lunch if the household's current annual income is below $29,055.  If that same family's income is between $29,056 and $41,348, the child would be eligible to purchase lunch at the reduced price.  Determination is made by using the following Federal income guidelines.

Income from parsonage is not included in gross income. Households whose income level is higher than those indicated above are not eligible for free or reduced meals, but may purchase meals at full price.

Please note:  All requests for eligibility will be kept confidential.   You may be required to present proof of eligibility at any time during the school year.  You may (re)apply if financial circumstances change during the year.

How do I pay?
Payment can be made by check or cash or as part of your FACTS payment and must be submitted with the enrollment form.

What forms do I need to fill out?
If you are interested in hot lunch for your child you must fill out and return: 
a) The hot lunch sign up form
b) If you are eligible for free or reduced meals then you must fill out the enclosed Government form for free or reduced eligibility called the FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEAL BENEFIT APPLICATION.  (MBA)

Now that I have filled out the forms – when and where are the forms and payment due?
Please return the following to the Bais Yaakov Park Heights Business Office
a) the hot lunch sign up form
b) Meal Benefit Application (MBA) - if applicable
c) Payment or FACTS approval.

For any questions with the program or forms please feel free to contact Mrs. Naomi Meisler at 410-363-3300 ext 215 or  e-mail: hotlunch@baisyaakov.net.