The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced at the end of August it will extend its summer meal program through the end of 2020, meaning school-aged children will have access to free meals for the rest of the year.
“This unprecedented move will help ensure — no matter what the situation is on the ground — children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic,” a USDA news release stated.
Brainerd Public Schools notified families of the news Thursday, Sept. 10, announcing breakfast and lunch fees will be waived through Dec. 31 or earlier if funding runs out.
No payments or registration is needed, the school district noted in its emails sent to families. Snack milk, extra milk and snackline will still require payment.
The district still strongly encourages families to fill out free and reduced forms, as the forms are tied to several other district programs, including technology and sports registration. The form is available at https://bit.ly/3bM5qcy .
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Distance and hybrid learning meals
Students and parents will be able to pick up free five-day meal kits curbside 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at the Forestview Middle School northside parking lot, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 16. Families must fill out a form at https://bit.ly/32qgBER to sign up for a meal kit.
Those who previously signed up for meal kits must do so again due to the recent USDA programming change.
Those who want to opt out of the meal kits in the future can email foodservice@isd181.org .
