Direct Certification

Sample Notification to Parents

Children who receive benefits from the Food Stamp Program, Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF, or California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs)) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are categorically eligible for free meals at school.  County and community agencies can help bring free school meals to these children by encouraging families to establish their children’s eligibility for free meals.  If the school district has implemented direct certification, families can establish their children’s eligibility for free meals by providing the district with a copy of the Food Stamp Program Notice of Approval (DFA 377.1) or TANF Notice of Action (NA200) along with a memo signed by the program official that lists the names of each child eligible for benefits.

Text Box: Good nutrition is vital to your child’s well-being and ability to grow and learn at school. School meals play an important role in bringing nutritious meals to children, and are available free or at a reduced price to those who qualify. Children who receive CalWORKs, food stamps, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations benefits are automatically eligible for free meals at school. You may be able to establish your children’s eligibility for free meals by bringing your Notice of Approval/Action to school. For more information, contact your school office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions about direct certification, please contact the California Department of Education Nutrition Services Division at (800) 952-5609, or Aparna Waegner at California Food Policy Advocates at (661) 799-1875.