USDA Free Meal Program Ending - What This Means for NSCSD Families

Throughout the pandemic, nutritious school meals have contributed to student achievement, supported America’s families and provided a critical safety net during economic hardships. Thanks to federal child nutrition waivers, all students, regardless of income, have had access to free meals during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the federal waivers expire on June 30, 2022 and Congress and the USDA have opted to not continue child nutrition waivers. This means that districts will no longer be able to provide free meals for all students for the 2022-2023 school year.

What this means for NSCSD Families:

• Families must fill out free and reduced meal price applications for the 2022-2023 school year and meet income qualifications in order to receive free meals.
• Families who do not qualify for free and reduced price meals for students will need to resume paying for school lunches.

Over the summer, the NSCSD will be setting meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year and will be sending out Free and Reduced Applications and guidelines. It is important to complete an application to ensure that your child’s benefits continue. Completing a form will affect any future PEBT payments and will help with tuition and test assistance. The Food Service Department does not receive money from the General Fund and relies on meal reimbursements for our program.

As in the past, meals must be purchased only with cash or funds available on student accounts, no charging will be allowed.