The Delaware Department of Education announced Monday the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s policy for free and reduced-price meals for children unable to pay the full price for food served under the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program and the Afterschool Snack Service.

Each participating school has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

In 2022-23, schools will be returning to normal operations under these programs and will be collecting free or reduced-price meal eligibility applications, unless a school elects to participate in the community eligibility provision.

Meal benefit forms will be sent home to parents. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households should fill out the form and return it to the school. The information provided will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year.