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Free and Reduced Price Meal Eligibility Determinations Reauthorization 2004

EO Guidance Document #
FNS-GD-2006-0021
FNS Document #
CACFP 10-2006
Resource type
Policy Memos
Guidance Documents
Resource Materials
PDF Icon Policy Memo (84.46 KB)
DATE: March 30, 2006
POLICY MEMO: CACFP 10-2006
SUBJECT: Free and Reduced Price Meal Eligibility Determinations Reauthorization 2004
TO: Special Nutrition Programs
All Regions
State Agencies
Child Nutrition Programs
All States

The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (the Reauthorization Act) modified requirements for the duration of applications for free or reduced price meals in child and adult nutrition programs authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as well as requirements related to reporting changes in income during the period of eligibility covered by the application. The purpose of this memorandum is to provide guidance on the impact of these modifications on the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

In accordance with the Reauthorization Act, households are no longer required to report changes in circumstances, such as an increase in income (currently $50 per month, or $600 annually), a decrease in household size or when the household is no longer certified eligible for food stamps or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Therefore, effective immediately, once properly approved for free or reduced price benefits, a household will remain eligible for those benefits for a period not to exceed 12 months.

STANLEY C. GARNETT
Director
Child Nutrition Division

Page updated: December 01, 2021

The contents of this guidance document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.