The 2024-2025 school year saw USD 379 with 46.7% students receiving free or reduced lunches – almost half of the student population. That number provides federal funding for the district, which provides funding for multiple areas, including: after-school care, driver’s ed reimbursement, classroom and intervention teachers, and some of the district’s summer programming.
That reimbursement total is determined by students who are enrolled in the program by September 20th. Though families can apply at any time, the district does not receive funds after the cutoff date.
Though referred to as the “free lunch” program, it also includes breakfast. This means students can access two meals per day, either for free or at a reduced cost to the family.
Protecting Privacy
It’s a program that includes privacy; names are not shared or displayed. The only person who sees the list is the person inputting data into the system.
Even when applying, USD 379 encourages parents to ask for the food clerk, which maximizes privacy. Parents can also apply for free or reduced lunches online.
The district encourages qualifying families to apply, even if their kids will bring food from home, as it helps the district with extracurricular programs.
Apply for free or reduced meals with USD 379 online by clicking on the enrollment page and looking for the apple icon. Or, call the board office and ask for the food clerk.
