For Immediate Release:
August 7, 2009

Contact:
Kit Wagar
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

State health department announces income guidelines for 2010 food programs

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has adopted new income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals served at child and adult day care centers in Missouri.

From July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010, individuals are eligible for free meals when their family income does not exceed 130 percent of the federal poverty level, or $1,984 a month for a family of three. Individuals are eligible for reduced-price meals with family income of up to 185 percent of the poverty level, or a maximum of $2,823 a month for a family of three.

Income limits vary based on family size. Eligibility guidelines for various family sizes can be found at www.dhss.mo.gov/dnhs_pdfs/CACFPIncomeGuide.pdf.

The income guidelines determine eligibility for free and reduced-price meals at:

• Child care facilities that serve meals to children from birth through 12 years of age;
• After-school programs and family emergency shelters that provide meals to school-age children;
• Adult day care programs

Individuals are also eligible if:

• the household receives benefits through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program;
• the client is enrolled in an adult care facility and receives assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid.

The facilities provide the meals and are reimbursed by the state health department’s Child and Adult Care Food Program. The program will pay participating facilities about $42 million this year for meals provided to eligible clients. More than 3,000 Missouri facilities participate in the program.

Application forms for free or reduced-price meals can be obtained atparticipating facilities. Individuals can contact their child or adult day care facility or family day care home provider to learn whether it participates in the program.

Child and adult day care facilities interested in participating in the program can contact the health department’s Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance toll-free at 800-733-6251.

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the participating institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.