NEW ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES ARE NOW SET FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR’S FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEAL PROGRAMS.

SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAMS ARE FUNDED BY THE U-S-D-A, AND FAMILIES PARTICIPATING NEED TO MEET CERTAIN INCOME GUIDELINES SAYS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT TIM MURPHY.

MURPHY SAYS KIDS SHOULDN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THEIR NEXT MEAL.

FAMILIES NEED TO APPLY EACH YEAR FOR THE PROGRAM AND ONLY NEED TO SUBMIT ONE APPLICATION PER HOUSEHOLD IF THEIR CHILDREN ARE IN THE SAME SCHOOL DISTRICT. MURPHY SAYS STUDIES SHOW KIDS PERFORM BETTER AT SCHOOL IF THEY ARE HAVING NUTRITIOUS MEALS.