Fairfax County has announced its policy for free or reduced-price meals as of this week.

At Annandale, as well as other schools in the county, the determining factors for eligibility are household size and income. Children from households whose income meets the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, shown in the picture, may be considered for a free or reduced-price meal plan.

Students whose families benefit from either the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families may be automatically qualified for free meals. Other children who may be automatically eligible for free meals include homeless, migrant and foster children; though foster children must be the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court.

Application forms are being distributed to households with a letter containing information about the free or reduced-price meals program. Applications should be available in the principal’s office, central office and online. To apply, households must fill out only one application and return it to the school division. 

Applications are available year round and can be turned in at any time during the year.