Universal Free Meals
This public release was sent to:
Times News | On Oct 4, 2023 |
Names of news media outlets and major employers contemplating layoffs | Date |
Gooding School District today announced its participation in National School Lunch Programs Universal Free Breakfast ONLY and Universal Breakfast & Lunch. Each school and the office of the Local School District has a copy of their policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
All children will receive free meals under Universal Free, both breakfast and lunch, at the following schools:
School Name (add rows for additional schools) |
Gooding Elementary School (Breakfast Only) |
Gooding Elementary Pre-School (Breakfast & Lunch) |
Gooding Middle School (Breakfast Only) |
Gooding Alternative Learning Center (Breakfast & Lunch) |
Families must submit free and reduced-price meal applications to establish correct claiming percentages. Your participation is greatly appreciated.
Effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
REDUCED-PRICE MEALS
Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice per Month | Every 2 Weeks | Weekly |
-1- | $26,973 | $2,248 | $1,124 | $1,038 | $519 |
-2- | $36,482 | $3,041 | $1,521 | $1,404 | $702 |
-3- | $45,991 | $3,833 | $1,917 | $1,769 | $885 |
-4- | $55,500 | $4,625 | $2,313 | $2,135 | $1,068 |
-5- | $65,009 | $5,418 | $2,709 | $2,501 | $1,251 |
-6- | $74,518 | $6,210 | $3,105 | $2,867 | $1,434 |
-7- | $84,027 | $7,003 | $3,502 | $3,232 | $1,616 |
-8- | $93,536 | $7,795 | $3,898 | $3,598 | $1,799 |
For each additional family member add | $9,509 | $793 | $397 | $366 | $183 |
Application forms are available to all homes, along with a letter to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households should fill out the application and return it to the school. Additional copies of the form are available at each school. The information provided on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials.
Households with any member who is receiving Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) or Food Distribution on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are only required to provide the recipient’s name, their food stamp, TAFI or FDPIR case number, the student/s name and an adult signature.
For other applicants, the household must list the names of all household members, all household income with the amount, source and frequency of the income received by each household member. If a household member does not have income, the no income box must be checked. An adult signature is required along with the last 4 digits of the adult’s social security number. The signature of the adult household member certifies that the information provided is correct.
You may include all foster children’s names on a household application with other non-foster children. Foster children are eligible for school meal benefits. Foster children must be the legal responsibility of the welfare agency or the court.
Students who are homeless, runaway or migrant are also eligible for benefits. Household members do not have to be US citizens for students to qualify for benefits.
Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.
Under the provisions of free-and-reduced-price meal policy the Determining Official will review the applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official(s) may wish to discuss the decision with the Determining Official(s) on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing to the Hearing Official for a hearing on the decision.
Anji Branch, B.S., SNS, CN Director
David Carson, Superintendent
507 Idaho Street
Gooding, ID 83330
Determining Official(s) Name, address, and telephone number of Hearing Official |
The school MAY share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.
This information was posted to:
þ School District Website | Date posted: 10/04/023
þ School District Facebook Page | Date posted: 10/04/23
☐ Student Handbook | Date posted:
☐ School Newsletter | Date posted:
☐ Other: | Date posted:
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
A new application must be submitted every school year. We accept applications beginning July 1st. Applications can be submitted anytime during the school year, however, please be aware that applications are not retroactive and are effective the day of submission. Parents are responsible for the cost of all meals prior to the approval of free or reduced cost meals. Only one application is needed per household. Apply for free or reduced cost meals here.
Accounts are PRE PAID meal accounts. Parents are responsible of making sure their child has funds available for the purchase of meals. As a courtesy GSD allows accounts to fall in the negative $22.00. Accounts in the negative are subject to closure.
Titan Family Portal is now LINQ Connect. Register here to manage your child’s account. Once registered parents are able to add funds and view balances.
For quick access download the mobile app on your phone.
Card- Cards can only be used through your account with LINQ Connect. You must be registered with LINQ Connect. To register or access your account visit LINQ Connect.
Cash/Check – Cash or check is still an option for those who choose not to utilize LINQ Connect. However, we do request payment be made at the building’s front office and not through the serving line. Cash and check payment can also be made at the district office. Check payments can be mailed to 507 Idaho Street, Gooding, ID 83330.
Breakfast
Students kindergarten – 8th grade: FREE
Students 9th-12th grade with *paid status: $2.50
Students 9th-12th grade with **reduced status: Free for the 23-24 school year Adults and visitors: $3.00.
Seconds are not covered by the free and reduced lunch program and cost $3.00
All students Kindergarten -12th with *paid status: $3.30.
All students Kindergarten -12th with **reduced status: FREE for the 23-24 school year. Adults and visitors: $4.75
Seconds are not covered by the free and reduced lunch program and cost $4.75
Preschool students receive FREE breakfast and lunch.
GALC students receive FREE breakfast and lunch.
*paid status= students whose household has completed a free or reduced meal application and student is not eligible for free or reduced cost meals or a student whose household has not completed a free or reduced meal application.
**reduced status= students whose household has completed a free or reduced meal application and is eligible for reduced cost meals
Gooding Elementary School proudly participates in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. FFVP is a federally assisted program providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to children at eligible elementary schools during the school day at no cost. The goal of the FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce among children. The FFVP also encourages healthier school environments by promoting nutrition education.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) ensures that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. All children 18 years and under, eat free at approved SFSP sites. Help us ensure that no child goes hungry this summer. Participate in the program this summer! Find our Senator StrEat food truck at the West Park, located on California Street (in front of the new playground) or at East Park, located on 3rd & Illinois (by the city pool).
All meals must be consumed on site. Please be respectful of the program rules. When children fail to eat on site this violates program regulations and hurts the program. Please ask site staff about the Traveling Apple Policy.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Gooding Elementary proudly participates in the USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program
