Free school meals available to all kids into December
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Central Florida school districts will continue to offer free meals to all children — whether they’re students or not — into December. But for aid beyond that, families in Orange County should submit an application by Sept. 22.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the summer meal program, allowing it to operate through the last school day in December, unless federal funding runs out before then. The move is aimed at helping struggling families through the economic recession spawned by COVID-19.
“As our nation reopens and people return to work, it remains critical our children continue to receive safe, healthy and nutritious food,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in ordering the extension. “We appreciate the incredible efforts by our school food-service professionals.”
The program provides breakfasts and lunches to children regardless of whether they’re learning online or in the classroom — or are too young to attend school.
But families in Orange County, where seven out of10 students were eligible for free meals before the pandemic, are being encouraged to submit an application for the program by Sept. 22.
Doing so not only gives qualifying families discounts on internet access, utilities and summer camps, it helps the schools get additional federal funding.
Eligibility is determined by the total household income. Qualifying families can save between $450 and nearly $1,500 per child for the school year.
To sign up for the program, go to myschoolapps.com. For details on Orange meals, see ocps.net. For Seminole, go to scps.nutrislice.com, and for Osceola, go to osceolaschools.net/schoolnutrition.