The Tennessee Department of Education today announced the 2011-2012 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy for free and reduced price meals for children in Tennessee’s schools. The USDA’s school meals programs help ensure all students have access to nutritious meals.   “We know that eating habits play an importing role in fueling student learning, performance and health,” Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman said. “Promoting and supporting healthy eating through school meals ensures that our students have the energy they need to achieve, grow, and succeed in the classroom.”   Basic facts about free and reduced price meals:   Do you need to fill out an application for each of your children? No, you only need one application for all students in your household.   Who can get free meals? All children in households receiving benefits from SNAP or Families First 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.   Can foster children get free meals? Yes, foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are eligible for free meals. Any foster child in the household is eligible for free meals regardless of income.   Can homeless, runaway and migrant children get free meals? Yes, children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant qualify for free meals. Check with your school, the homeless liaison or migrant coordinator or call the toll free hotline at 866-311-4287.   .