Dear EWSD Community:
Since 2022, Vermont has successfully implemented Universal School Meals. This program enables schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of household income.
However, even though meals are now free to all students, our schools still need to gather household income data. This data helps Vermont access the maximum possible federal dollars for school meals, reducing the burden on Vermont taxpayers.
But it’s about more than meals. Household income data is needed to ensure that millions in federal education dollars continue to flow to Vermont to support educational benefits and to make sure that these funds are fairly distributed across our state. Some examples of uses of this funding are:
Federal funding for schools’ reading, math, and other educational programs
Afterschool and summer program resources
Broadband access programs
Special education
And many more
This information is also needed for required reporting that accompanies the approximately $130 million in federal education funding the state receives each year. When you fill out the form, you help us make sure Vermont’s information is accurate and complete.
We need your help! Every family in our school community is encouraged to fill out the form to help create a brighter and more equitable future for all of Vermont’s students. Even if you didn’t fill out these forms in the past, doing so now will help Vermont maintain an affordable Universal School Meals program and continue to receive millions in essential federal education dollars (Frequently Asked Questions).
Please complete the Household Income Form for your household. This form is designed to only take a few minutes to fill out. Please reach out to Sarah Warrington at swarrington@ewsd.org or call (802) 857-2007 if you have any questions.
Thank you for taking the time to help our school!
Jackie Ramsay-Tolman
Acting Superintendent
Essex Westford School District