STOCKTON — San Joaquin County Office of Education recently announced its policy for providing free and reduced price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

“Although there are federal and state guidelines as to who is eligible for free or reduced lunches, we have chosen to provide all students within our program [one.] with a free meal, regardless of his or her income level,” stated Student Services Supervisor for San Joaquin County Office of Education, Jennifer Lawrence.

Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing them of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for enrolled children. Applications are also available at San Joaquin County Office of Education’s County Operated Schools and Programs office. Households must complete an application and return it to the school at any time during the school year for processing.