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More Students Eating For Free

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By RONNIE BLAIR

rblair@tampatrib.com

Published: January 16, 2009

LAND O' LAKES - The percentage of Pasco County students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals is on the rise and expected to top 50 percent by the end of February, the school district reported Thursday.

Even more families may be eligible and the district is encouraging anyone who has had a change in income or in family size to fill out an application.

"There's definitely a rise in need," said Emily Mark, a dietitian and marketing coordinator for the district's food and nutrition services department.

Parents or guardians can pick up applications at any Pasco County school. The free and reduced-price meal program is federally funded and participation is based on family income and size.

For example, children in a family of four qualify for free meals if the family's annual income is $27,560 or less. The children would qualify for reduced-price meals if the family's income is $39,220 or less.

The weak economy has led to more children qualifying, Mark said. In September, 43 percent of Pasco students qualified.

Since then, that has jumped to 48 percent, she said, and is expected to go higher.

Schools that offer free breakfasts to all students also have reported an increase in participation in that program, Mark said.

The district has 34 elementary and middle schools that offer free breakfasts to everyone. For a school to offer that program, at least 60 percent of the students must qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218.

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