...Helping Students Learn   2012-13 Family Free and Reduced-price School Meal Application  | The Gahanna-Jefferson cafeteria point-of-sale system provides complete student confidentiality. Note: All application information is subject to verification pursuant to the USDA's Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.

Gahanna-Jefferson offers healthy, nutritious meals every school day at a reasonable cost. An elementary students’ daily plate lunch cost for the 2012-13 school year is $2.50; and, A middle- or high-school students’ daily plate lunch cost for the 2012-13 school year is $2.75. Gahanna-Jefferson also provides an equally healthy, nutritious breakfast for $1.25 (or .30¢ if a reduced-price meal participant).

National School Meal Program
Your children may qualify for free- or reduced-price meals by the National School Lunch Program  if you're currently eligible or receiving unemployment compensation; receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or earning at or below current program income eligibility guidelines. This program was established under the National School Lunch Act of 1946 and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.

If you have additional questions or need further assistance after reviewing the GJPS Frequently Asked Questions below, contact the GJPS Office of Food Services at 614-478-5535 or via an email.


Free and Reduced-Price School Meal FAQ

Is an application required for each child? No. A single, completed application will suffice for all students in your household. Return this application during your school’s designated 2012-2013 Fall Registration event.

Are applications accepted throughout the school year? Yes. For example, a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible if their household income drops below the program limits. If your family’s possible eligibility changes during the school year, submit this application to your child’s individual Gahanna-Jefferson school office.  

Who is eligible for the free- or reduced-price-meal program? All children in households having a gross income within the “free limit” or the “reduced price limits” category (respectively) of the Federal Income Eligibility Guideline chart within this application. (Essentially, the same criteria that are applicable to families receiving WIC.)  You, nor your children have to be a U.S. citizen to participate. Additionally:

• Families receiving SNAP and/or Ohio Works First (OWF) are eligible for free student meals, regardless of family income.
• Foster children are eligible – regardless of household income, if the child remains under the legal responsibility of the foster-care agency or court.  
• Homeless, runaway or migrant children, who meet the predefined criteria of the same, qualify for free meals. Circumstances vary. For more information,  please contact GJPS Office of Pupil Services  at 614-471-7065.

Is it necessary to complete an application if I recently received a letter from Gahanna-Jefferson that my children are approved for the free meal program? Circumstances vary. Please review the letter carefully for additional instructions. For more information, contact the GJPS Office of Food Services.

My application was approved last year. Is it necessary to complete a new one for this school year?  Yes.  Each application is only good for the submitted school year. However, there is a grace period that extends into the first few days of the new school year. You must submit a new application unless your child’s school has informed you otherwise.

How is a member of my household defined? In addition to your children and yourself, you must include everyone living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends), who share income and expenses. Note: However, do not include those living in the same household whom are economically independent of you (i.e., whom you do not support, who do not share income with you or your children, and who pay a pro-rated share of expenses).

What if my income varies? List the amount typically received. For example, if you normally make $1,000 each month, but missed some work last month and made $900; put down on the application you made $1,000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime occasionally. If you recently lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.

We are a military family. Do we include our housing allowance as income? Yes, if it’s an off-base housing allowance. However, if your home is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income.

My spouse is currently deployed to a combat zone. Is his/her combat pay counted as income? Not if the combat pay wasn’t received prior to being deployed and is in addition to their traditional payroll income.

My family needs additional help. Are there other programs we should be aware of? To learn more about Ohio SNAP or similar assistance benefits, call the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Telephone Hotline at:  877-852-0010.

What if I disagree with the GJPS decision about my program application? Please send a  written request for a hearing to the GJPS Office of Business Affairs, 160 S. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, Ohio, 43230, (click here to send us an email) or by calling 614-471-7065.


Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the Gahanna-Jefferson Public School District is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).