Free school meals ending statewide

After four years of Nevada students receiving free meals, schools statewide will return to pre-pandemic policies at the completion of the 2023/2024 school year.

“Universal free meals are coming to an end, but students who are eligible for free and reduced meals will still receive those benefits,” said Douglas County School District Director of School Nutrition Program Jordy Foster.

After the onset of Coronavirus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented free school meal waivers until June 2022. Following the end of the federal waiver program, the Nevada Department of Agriculture utilized the American Rescue Plan funds to continue the program for the 2023-2024 academic years. 

“There’s many families who don’t know anything different,” said Foster.  “We’re trying to give families notice, so they don’t come into the new school year not knowing that it won’t just be automatic.”

At the start of the 2024/2025 school year, Nevada students will only receive a free and reduced-cost meal at a school participating in the National School Breakfast and Lunch programs if they are deemed eligible based on income guidelines after completing a Free and reduced Meal eligibility form, by participating in other federal assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Medicaid, or if they are attending a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school.

“It is critical for parents and guardians to fill out the Free and Reduced Meal Eligibility From for their school,” said NDA Division of Food and Nutrition Administrator Patricia Hoppe. “Even if you don’t think you qualify, the NDA encourages all families to fill out the form.”

For the Douglas County School District, the application for the 2024/2025 Free and Reduced Price Meal Program application will be available July. 1 and should be filled out prior to the start of school on Aug. 19. After that, annual renewals will be required.

Foster encourages families to apply as soon as possible and receive a temporary approval for a grace period at the start of the new school year.

“At this point we are asking families who have not received an approval letter to apply for the start of the new school year with a temporary approval and grace period to give them an opportunity for more time,” said Foster. “The goal is to have the least number of students fall off the program.” 

For those not applying or are not approved, student meals will revert to full-pay the start of  2024-2025 school year and it is advised that funds are available in the Infinite Campus Food Service accounts by the first day of school to purchase meals.

Applications are available on Infinite Campus or on the Douglas County School District website under the Nutrition Services tab. For more information call the Douglas County School Nutrition Office at 775-782-7613.