The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved all schools to offer free lunch to all students regardless of income. Those schools that offer breakfast will be able to offer free breakfast to all students as well. This means students will receive their meals for FREE this school year.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Students must take the required components to make a reimbursable meal in order for it to be free. How students make a reimbursable meal will be posted/displayed in the cafeteria or during meal delivery. The cashier or other school staff will help students make a full reimbursable meal which includes one milk.
- If students purchase extras (such as a bottled drink) available in the serving line, a la carte (such as a singular milk or extra entree), snacks from the snack carts, etc.,the student will be charged for these items. If your student intends to purchase items other than a meal, please make sure there are adequate funds in their account.
- Nothing needs to be sent to the school in order to have a student receive meals for free. Free meals are automatically offered to all students regardless of income.
- Families that believe they would qualify for free and reduced meals normally, should still submit a free meal application as this can help with qualifying for other assistance programs for the family and student. Benefits from completing applications stretch far beyond the cafeteria and impact students in the classroom and at home. All information submitted in these applications is private and confidential.