The Nevada Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition division released today the 2013-2014 Free and Reduce Price Meal Eligibility Report. It provides the total number of students eligible for free or reduced price meals at all schools statewide that participate in the program.
Many different federal, state and local community groups use the report to demonstrate the need of individual schools throughout the state. In addition, school districts use the data to determine eligibility for federal grant programs such as Title I and for local programs such as free after school snack and weekend supplemental food backpack programs.
Nearly 295,000 meals are served daily in Nevada to children in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. The National School Lunch Program has recently undergone changes that increase the amount of fruits, vegetables and whole grains offered to children.
Healthy school meals are a critical part of a healthy school environment, and free or reduced-price meals help provide children with fuel needed to learn. Families are encouraged to fill out a free or reduced price meal application. Interested parents or guardians should contact their local school district for more information.
Data are provided at the school and district level, but information about each student’s status is confidential. School food service staff members receive and process student applications and the Department’s Food and Nutrition division monitors applications for accuracy.
Visit http://nutrition.nv.gov/Programs/NutritionPrograms/ for more information about the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program.
