Rutherford B. Gaston Senior Middle School

The percentage of Rutherford B. Gaston Senior Middle School students on free and reduced lunch assistance (96.1%) is significantly higher than the state average of 55.7%. This may indicate that the area has a higher level of poverty than the state average.

Students at a participating school may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program. Families with incomes between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible for reduced price meals. Schools may not charge more than 40¢ for reduced-price lunches, nor more than 30¢ for reduced-price breakfasts. Students from families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level are eligible for free meals.

For 2014, a family of two needs to make an annual income below $20,449 to be eligible for free meals or below $29,100 for reduced price meals. A family of four needs to make an annual income below $31,005 for free meals or $44,122 for reduced price meals.