Phoenix Union High School Press Release (Aug. 11, 2017)
PHOENIX UNION— All Phoenix Union High School District students will be able to eat free breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2017-18 school year. It is the second year that the policy has been in effect.
Phoenix Union is able to offer this Special Assistance Provision based on the success of the District receiving completed applications for free and reduced-price meals for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program from households in the school district.
Applications are distributed to students and parents by Phoenix Union schools at the beginning of the school year and can also be obtained at the schools’ Registration Office, Community Liaisons, and on the school’s website, www.PhoenixUnion.org/freelunchapp . Applications can be returned to the school, or submitted via the online application at the link above. For more information, contact Milena Moneva at 602-764-7903.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture National School Lunch program is based on household income levels. But the number of participants in this program also determines federal Title monies (additional funding for academic support, such as free summer school) and e-Rate, which provides funding for improved technology at schools. Other benefits through reimbursement funding include low-cost, nutritious meals, renovation of cafeterias, upgraded food service kitchen equipment, food service staffing and allows the PUHSD food service to be financially self-sustaining, freeing up money for other budgetary needs.
This program typically provides free lunch to family households whose income is 130 percent of the federal income poverty level. For the 2017-18 school year, that threshold is $31,980 for a family of four.
MEDIA CONTACT: Craig Pletenik (602) 764-1530
