CHANGES TO FOOD STAMP PROGRAM AFFECT FREE SCHOOL LUNCH ELIGILITY

     The Bellingham School District has teamed up with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to help distribute some exciting information to families in the district.

     As of October 1, 2008, the income eligibility for Basic Food (formerly Food Stamps) will increase to 200% of the federal poverty level.  It currently is set at 130%. 

     In other words, if your family has typically not qualified for food stamps because your family income was too high, you may now qualify. If your family qualifies, your school-aged children will automatically be enrolled in the schools’ free meal program for the rest of the school year. A family with two children eating school lunch every day could save $1,000 in lunch costs over the course of the school year! Other benefits include reduced ASB fees, athletic fees, and club memberships for the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club and Bellingham Parks.

     Basic Food Applications are available in English, Spanish, and Russian on the district website.

     All applications must be turned in to the DSHS office at 4101 Meridian in Bellingham.