All in-person students and remote learners can receive free breakfasts and lunches at campus cafeterias or through remote learning meal pickup at selected campuses.
Updated: The free school meals program has been extended through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. All students may receive free breakfast and lunch through the last day of school, May 28, 2021.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, omelets, chicken fajitas, and more are being served in campus cafeterias throughout the district, and now these nutritious and tasty meals are free to all students. Breakfasts and lunches are available to remote and in-person learners every school day at no cost for the rest of the school year. These free meals for all students are made possible through a program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure all children have access to nutritious food.
“We are extremely grateful we can offer breakfast and lunch every school day to all of our 20,000-plus students,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Chadwell. “Students have a hard time learning on an empty stomach, and now no child has to worry about being hungry during the school day.”
What’s on the menu? Check out school menus on the Nutrislice website.
In-person learners at all campuses will access their meals as usual during their designated meal periods at no cost. Cafeteria staff continue to follow strict guidelines to preserve student health safety. Read more about cafeteria safety policies and procedures.
Remote learners will be able to receive the free meals curbside at specific locations every school day. For more information about remote learners' meals, visit the Child Nutrition website.
Please note that this special free meal program does not include a la carte items such as snacks, ice cream, snack bars, or Bistro items.
“Some families think that if they don’t qualify for free and reduced meals normally that they shouldn’t take advantage of this opportunity, but that’s not the case,” said district child nutrition director Aaron Wylie. “The USDA is covering the cost of all meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, and every student is welcome to free breakfasts and lunches.”
Additionally, the free-meals-for-all program may have unforeseen benefits for your family. By choosing school meals, families save money and time because they aren’t preparing breakfasts and lunches at home. Families are also helping the district’s child nutrition department use up meal inventory and waste less food.
Students who are eligible for free/reduced meals should still apply either online at emsisd.schoollunchapp.com or through a paper application available from any school’s front office. When the current program ends, it is important that students who can benefit from a free or reduced meal price remain eligible. Additionally, other discounts and benefits are available to those who qualify.
Please visit the Child Nutrition website or contact their office at 817-232-0880 for more details.
