CHILD NUTRITION UPDATE FOR 2022-23

Over the past two years, the USDA has provided free meals to all schools across the nation in light of the pandemic. For the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, the USDA announced that breakfast and lunch will NOT be free to all students. Perry Public Schools and other school districts will have to return to the regular meal pricing structure used prior to the free meals.

 

The eligibility scale to receive free or reduced lunches, as determined by the USDA, is based on household size and income. Many families qualify for the free and reduced meal program. Applications can be completed online through the Parent Portal on the school website. Families can apply during the enrollment process or at Back-to-School Night on August 15. 

 

Paper application copies can be obtained from each school site secretary or the Child Nutrition office, located in Perry High School, room 105. Parents or guardians must complete the application every new school year. 

 

Dr. Andrea Rains, Executive Director of State and Federal Programs for PPS, said, “It is going to be an adjustment for everyone as we go back to standard meal pricing after being free for two years. We are mindful of our families and striving to keep our full price meals as low as we can.” She added, “We highly encourage all families to complete the free and reduced applications, even if they think they don’t qualify.”

 

All applications completed for free and reduced meals directly help our school receive state aid funding, which ties into every district program and department, including instruction, athletics, technology, and other programs that benefit our students.  

 

Parents and guardians can pay lunch balances or add money to their student’s account on the Parent Portal online. 

 

Due to an increase in pricing by our cafeteria food provider, Keystone Food Service, there will also be a slight change in the meal pricing for students and staff this school year. Pricing structure is as follows: