Why Do You Need a Shiv? And Other Burning Shameless Questions

[TyranAmiros]

So, I just started watching Shameless, and I had a question.

 

Why aren't the kids getting free breakfast/lunch at school?  Even with Fiona's job at the cups company, they're undoubtedly below the poverty line for a family of seven (or eight, including Monica).

[junemeatcleaver]

That's a good question about free breakfast/lunch.  I know those chaotic Gallagher mornings are fun, but free or reduced school lunch is a big part of being a poor kid.

[CarolMK]

We discussed this on TWOP awhile ago....the thought then was that before Fiona became guardian, the school system was not aware that there was not a parent in the home, since Monica was gone and Frank was there sometimes and not others. Also, Fiona's income was not enough at the time to even reach the poverty level of becoming guardian..and they were afraid if the school found out, they would notify the authorities who would split the kids up into foster care. It's why Steve showed up at the meeting for Carl's principal along with Fiona and told them that they were engaged. So Fiona never completed the paperwork needed to get the kids free school lunch. 

[TyranAmiros]

Thanks!  I just started watching, so I never got to read the TWOP thread--I'm sure I missed out.