Free Meals for All Students Program Ending with 2021-22 School Year

Free Meals for All Students Ends With the 2022 School Year 

When the 2021-2022 school year ends in May, so does the free meals for every student program. While the federal government funded a program that allowed all students access to free meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress recently declined to continue funding this program. This means families will need to carry a positive balance in their children’s school meal accounts when school begins next fall.

We understand this change may cause you to worry. There are important steps you can take today to make sure your student receives the meals they need next year.

Complete An Application for Free and Reduced Meals NOW.

If your student qualifies for free or reduced meals, they can still receive them next year, but you must take action to make it happen.

1. Complete the 2021-2022 online application for free and reduced meals before the end of this school year if you have not already filled out an application for the 2021-2022 school year. This will give you a 30-day grace period at the start of the 2022-2023 school year to complete another application for next year.
2. Then, fill out the 2022-2023 online application which will be available on the District’s website after August 1, 2022. Even if you complete the 2021-2022 application, you will still need to complete the 2022-2023 application as well.
3. Budget for the cost of school lunches (if you do not qualify for free and reduced meals).

Families that do not qualify for free or reduced meals can start depositing money into their student’s RevTrak lunch account to prepare for the cost of school lunches next year. Information on meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year can be found by clicking here.

1. Pay Off Negative School Lunch Balances.  If your student has a negative lunch account balance, we encourage you to pay that as soon as possible and then begin depositing money into your student’s account to prepare for the 2022-2023 school year.  

To apply for free or reduced meals, please complete an application through our website. For assistance completing the application or for questions, please contact Alicia Kennedy at 515-987-2719 or email nutrition@waukeeschools.org.