Westphalia ISD Announces Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program for 2025–2026 School Year

Westphalia Independent School District (ISD) has announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals to students for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year. This initiative is part of the district’s participation in federally funded child nutrition programs aimed at ensuring that all children have access to healthy meals at school.

Copies of the full policy are available for public review at each school site or at the central office.

Distribution of Applications Begins August 6, 2025

Beginning August 6, 2025, Westphalia ISD will distribute letters to households with information regarding eligibility for meal benefits, along with steps on how to apply. Applications can also be obtained in person at: 124 County Road 3000, Lott, TX 76656

Eligibility Criteria

Children may qualify for free or reduced-price meals through one of the following pathways:

Income-Based Eligibility

A child is eligible if the household income is at or below the current federal income eligibility levels.

Categorical (Automatic) Eligibility

Children are automatically eligible if they: Are members of a household receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or benefits from the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Are foster children under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court Are homeless, runaway, or migrant Have been displaced by a declared disaster Are enrolled in Head Start or Even Start programs

How to Apply

Households that qualify based on income must complete and return an application to: Lisa Hoff, Student Services, Front Office

Phone: 254-584-4988 The application must include: Names of all household members

The amount, frequency, and source of current income for each household member The last four digits of the Social Security number of the adult signing the application (or checking the box indicating no SSN) Signature of an adult household member certifying the accuracy of the information

No Application Needed for Categorically Eligible Students

Westphalia ISD is coordinating with local agencies to identify students who qualify for benefits automatically. Households of these students will be notified directly and do not need to submit an application. If a household believes it qualifies but did not receive notification, they should contact Lisa Hoff at 254-584-4988.

If a household wishes to decline benefits, they should also contact Lisa Hoff.

Year-Round Submissions & Changes in Household Circumstances

Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. Eligibility can also change if household circumstances change—for example, a job loss or an increase in household size. Households are encouraged to notify the school immediately if their situation changes.

Appeals Process

Eligibility determinations will be made by Lisa Hoff, Student Services. If a household disagrees with the determination, they may request an informal discussion with Lisa Hoff or request a formal hearing. Appeals should be directed to: Brittany Lloyd, Superintendent Email: brittany. lloyd@westphaliaisd. org

For more information, questions, or assistance with the application process, please contact Westphalia ISD Student Services at 254-584-4988.