August 26, 2020

Dear Parents,

We are pleased to advise that we will be continuing our successful Hot Lunch Program for the 2020-21 school year for Grades 1-12! Please note the following important points:

1- Hot Lunch Enrollment is now online! Please click here or on the button below to access our online form. The deadline for submission is Friday, August 28th. Any order submitted after that day may result in a delay in the start of your child’s participation in the hot lunch program.

2- Please note that Hot lunch service will begin on Tuesday, September 8th for Elementary School. Please send lunch from home on the first day of school. Hot lunch service for Middle School and Mesivta will begin with their respective first days of classes.

3- Elementary students on the hot lunch program will be served lunch in their classroom. Middle School and High School students will be eating in their respective cafeterias, on a staggered schedule and in shifts. The safety of our staff and students during meal service is our highest priority, and many logistical and safety measures have been implemented.

4- The logistics of our Breakfast program for Middle School and High School students are still being worked out. Information about breakfast and enrollment will be forthcoming.

What is the hot lunch program? A Federally Subsidized Hot Lunch Program that will bring quality, nutritious meals directly to your child's school. Qualification, which is based on household income, may entitle your child to a free or reduced-price hot lunch. Students who do not qualify for the government subsidy will still be able to purchase hot lunches at the full price.

What kind of food will be served? We will be following federal guidelines enacted to ensure healthy eating habits. Please note that we will not be serving second helpings. All food will be Cholov Yisroel and are prepared fresh at the Yeshiva daily. When available, you will find hot lunch menus on our website, under Parent Resources-School Meals.

How often will hot lunch be served? Hot lunches will be served four times a week, Monday thru Thursday, on full days of school, following the school calendar, and continuing until the last full day of school.

Can I sign up once a week? Once a month? When my child likes the food? To participate in the program, you must sign up for all lunch days. However, if you miss the sign-up period at the beginning of the year, feel free to contact Mrs. Charnie Barak at [email protected] or 410-484-6600 x7335 for information on how to enroll.

How do I know if I am eligible for free meals? All children in households receiving benefits from Food Supplement Program or Temporary Cash Assistance Program, can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, your children can get free meals if your household’s gross income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, seen below.

Who can get reduced price meals? Your children can get low cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Eligibility Income Chart, shown above.

Will the information I give be checked? Yes, and we may also ask you to send written proof.

What if my income is not always the same? List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.

Who should I include as members of my household? You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends) who share income and expenses. You must include yourself and all children living with you. If you live with other people who are economically independent (for example, people who you do not support, who do not share income with you or your children, and who pay a pro-rated share of expenses), do not include them.

If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.

How do I pay? Payment arrangements can be made online (by credit card or FACTS).

What do I need to do? If you are interested in hot lunch for your child you must submit the Hot Lunch Enrollment Form with payment arrangements (by credit card or by checking off the option to add the cost to your FACTS payments on the enrollment form). If you are having trouble completing the online form, please reach out to Mrs. Barak at 410-484-6600 x7335.

What do I do if I have questions or I am unsure if I qualify for free or reduced meals? For any questions about the program please contact, Mrs. Barak at 410-484-6600 x7335 or [email protected].

Looking forward to another wonderful and healthy school year,

Director of Food Services