We are pleased to announce that Mayfield Central School District has implemented a meal certification option to our schools under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program called the Community Eligibility Provision. This means all students enrolled at Mayfield Central School District are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge to your household each day of the 2023-2024 school year.
With the introduction of this new and beneficial program, we are asking all families to fill out the Household Income Eligibility Form. This form collects basic information about your students and is helpful information that contributes to providing additional money and services directly to our school. Please complete the Household Income Eligibility Form by October 1, 2023.
Q&A:
What is the Household Income Eligibility Form?
The form collects basic information about your students so our school can determine if they would otherwise be eligible for free or reduced-price breakfast/lunch. It is important for EVERY family to fill out this form because doing so helps bring much-needed additional money and services directly to our school! This form must be submitted each year by October 1st. The form is available at each school building if you do not have access to it online. Paper forms can be completed and returned to school with your student, addressed to the attention of Lindsay Van Auken.
If all meals are free, why do we have to complete this form?
School districts receive funding from the state and federal governments. For each student who would otherwise qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast/lunch, schools receive additional dollars in funding. Even a small increase in completed Household Income Eligibility forms collected results in significantly more money to support our students and schools. Schools qualify to receive more money per student from the state and federal government and receive more money in their budgets to support students.
What if my child wants extra food, snacks or drinks than is provided?
Extra food is available for purchase in the cafeteria. If your child wants extra food, snacks, or drinks they will need to have money on their meal account or cash/check in hand for such items.
What if my child doesn’t want to eat school breakfast/lunch?
Even if your child chooses to bring their own breakfast/lunch or if they eat lunch at home, filling out the form is very important! It ensures that our school gets all the funding and benefits available. Also, even if your child does not eat school breakfast/lunch, students who would otherwise qualify for free breakfast/lunch can receive benefits, including reduced fees for SAT and ACT tests, reduced college applications fees, and discounts on monthly internet services and computer purchases.
Is the Information I submit confidential?
Yes. The information you submit on the Household Income Eligibility Form is not shared by our school. Personal information submitted on the form is not shared with the state or federal government; only the number of students who would otherwise qualify for free or reduced breakfast/lunch is shared. District personnel are not told which students would qualify for free or reduced breakfast/lunch benefits. Our school does not share information with other organizations that provide benefits.
What if I have more questions?
For additional information, please contact:
Lindsay Van Auken
Cook Manager
518-661-8222, Ext 8257
vanauken.lindsay@mayfieldcsd.org
Visit our Food Services page for more information on the 2023-24 school year.